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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
soix
8,644 posts
 
Why would you let your spouse touch the system???  No good can come of that.  Plus, you have to deal with her interface and that's about as complicated as it gets.  What goes around...
caphill
665 posts
 
@sforrey

You mentioned that you’re looking for an analog integrated amp (no DAC) but on your lists above you included the Parasound Halo Integrated and the Parasound Halo has DAC.
I will add the Rega Elicit-R analog integrated amp to your list but have no idea how it will sound on your Allison One speakers as I’ve never heard your speakers before. However I have heard the Rega Elicit-R on couple different speakers before and it was very musical especially considering its modest asking price of $3k brand new. I’m aware that your budget is only $2k but the Rega Elicit-R can be had around $2k used if you can find one in an after market like here on Audiogon.
johnto
972 posts
 
I had a Parasound Hint paired with magnepan 1.7 and the sound was magical. You get everything you need even mm and mc phono pre built in with lots of power.
fossda
112 posts
 
Moon integrated in your price point. Very good product. 
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,500 posts
 
I question someone saying the halo can deliver 45amps. At 160w that's a voltage of only 3.5volts not to mention the only way to draw that is on extremely short durations (think mili seconds) Basically what the power supply caps can deliver.  your power line to the wall socket is only good for 15amps at 115v (really less as the breakers will pop before 15amp as they have a built in safety factor) so that's really not a useful spec and somewhat misleading. 
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