2. amps-preamps
  3. 138441-6185

Opinions on these budget integrateds?

Searching to replace a NAD C352 with a new/used integrated that will provide a meaningful sonic upgrade.  Looking at options around $2,000 or below, and I don't want it to be a sideways move.

I'm keeping my old Allison One speakers, at least for now, as they work very well with my particular room conditions. 

Would love to get opinions on the options below.  I'm looking for ease and musicality, but the ability to articulate dense music is also important. No internal DAC required.

-Belles Aria - very intrigued

-Quicksilver Integrated - have never had tubes before but am open to them

-Primaluna Prologue or Dialogue - might be over my budget

-Audio Note OTO SE - one day!  but probably cannot power the Allisons

-Sugden a21 SE

-Yamaha A-S2100 

-Parasound Halo

-Unison Research Unico Integrated

-Exposure 2010 S2

-Primare i22

Any thoughts at all are welcome, and I haven't heard ANY of these!  Thanks in advance. 


sforrey

Showing 2 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
You can buy the pre-upgrade Parasound Hint model for probably $400 less than it retailed before the Hint 6 came out.

New Features (Changes from the original Halo Integrated)
  • Burr Brown analogue resistor ladder volume control
  • Dimmable front panel volume display
  • Updated USB receiver is Plug and play with Windows 10 and MAC
  • An additional optical input (2 total)
  • Ball bearing supported solid aluminium volume knob
  • Programmable default turn on volume setting
  • Favourite volume memory with remote control button
  • Increased phono stage gain for lower output cartridges
  • Improved Left/Right channel separation and balance tracking
  • Updated cosmetics with subtle gold highlights

Wow, didn't know about this new Halo Integrated Hint upgrade model.
I'd go the extra $400

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
stereo52,227 posts09-25-2018 1:26amParasound Halo Integrated.  160wpc, 45 amps of current.
+1 for this, and when you get a new pair of speakers, even if they are very hard to drive this will do the job better that any of the others, and you get a bonus dac in it as well.

Cheers George
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