2. amps-preamps
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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
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
justvintagestuff
104 posts
 
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.
justvintagestuff
104 posts
 
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!
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