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 4 responses by justvintagestuff

... Another option, which I have in my 2nd system with JBL L25 PRIMA speakers, is a MONOPRICE INTERGRATED AMP for about $150 or so (go with the 50 watt unit), use a good power cord ( I'm using a PS AUDIO SC STATEMENT) and use the $$$ for more music...
...sorry to see you've left out the rig I have and luv: a JOB INT. AMP

BUY DIRECT BRAND NEW for about $1700 and if you've got extra $$$ , buy the SWEETCORD POWER CORD for it.

Break it in for 300 hours continuous, and be amazed as the sound matures. Plenty of power, options to go with interconnects or flip a switch and use an optical cord to access the DAC in the INT.

Great value in a well-designed product.

Good Luck in your search...
Sleepwalker65: Although we all appreciate YHO - sometimes you can be surprised by a power cable change or some tube swapping.

If you discount things by cost, you completely hamper yourself.

If you have the item I referred to or have actually heard it: then you have a serious point of reference.

Maybe my ears aren't so sophisicated that I can delineate equipment $$$$ but at the cost of this item, nobody loses if it is not acceptable. And it is returnable as well...

For me in a 2nd system, it sings and is toe-tappin' enough to warrant a chump change investment. 

Arguement against a non-US Made product would hold more validity than yours - and we all know that's not a valid point either.
So sforrey: any developments? have you 'committed' and decided?

Question posers often leave those who offered HO hangin' - please fill us in as to where you are. Thanks!