1. Home
  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
soix
2,133 posts
 
Not sure why the Hegel H160 hasn't been mentioned here yet, but I believe it ticks all your boxes and gets stellar reviews.  Here's one in your price range...

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649455519-hegel-h160-integrated-amplifierdac/

Since you're considering the Halo, you may find this review interesting as it compares it directly to the H160...

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0915/Hegel_H160_Review.htm

There are also reviews from Stereophile and The Absolute Sound if you're interested in other opinions.  Sorry if I'm just making this harder, but best of luck in whatever you decide. 
2channel8
634 posts
 
I've only heard the Belles Aria and, briefly, the PL Dialogue. The Dialogue impressed me; but I don't recall the speakers. I would have bought the Aria if it had balance control. My ears are not equal. I listened extensively with Vandersteen Treo CTs and ProAc monitors. It was really nice. I wound up with the Primare I32 and couldn't be happier. Sounds better to me than the Aria or it's big sister, the Soloist. 
chasda's avatar
chasda
12 posts
 
Quality is probably the least issue with the Yamaha. The headphone stage is excellent. 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. My current speakers are inadequate, and I'm shopping for what will give me the best performance at that power level. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
1,457 posts
 
There have been threads on here about Yamaha integrated's needing to be sent back straight out of the box.  Fortunately, bought through a real store rather than a dubious website.  Personally, I would have thought "boutique" manufacturers were a better bet for back-up.  Would you rather deal with a caring person in Pittsford, New York or a large, multi-national, Japan-based corporation?
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. 


More to discover