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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
sforrey OP
22 posts
 
@twoleftears You’ve got a point there.  I’ve just been burned in my other life as a musician by highly-regarded craftsmen who flake out on orders... I’m still owed some custom mouthpiece work (I’m a trumpet player) by a brilliant craftsman who’s equally a genius at avoiding phone calls and emails.  I think even a behemoth like Yamaha would be easier to deal with.  But who knows?  

@chasda - thanks for the data point.  My current amp has less power so I think the Yam would be ok on that front. 


twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
@sforrey David Belles is definitely not like the craftsman you mention.  Talk to Johnny Rutan at Audio Connection if you need more of a recommendation.
secretguy
1,573 posts
 
I hate to see people pay more than they have to and for stuff that's not as good as what can be had cheaper. But it's not my $.
sforrey OP
22 posts
 
@secretguy -  do tell!  I hate overspending too, so what do you recommend? 
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
"Quality is probably the least issue with the Yamaha."
"It is a rock, but if there is an issue it would be power. It's 90 wpc @ 8ohm can make your speaker choice an issue."

I have the"baby brother" Yamaha A-S1000 with "90w/ch@8ohms, 140w/ch@4ohms" and tipping the scales at 48.5lbs and believe me it does not lack power.  Though I am driving 97dB "bookshelf" speakers so my opinion may be skewed a bit.  Also rock solid reliability for 4 years and counting.

Bill
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