Recommendations for an Integrated Amplifier.

[gerlando]

Hello there,
I need advice for an integrated amplifier under £1000 (second hand) for replacing my EWA Claymore.

It should preferably have a headphone socket or at least a line/tape out for allowing an external headphone amp.

MM/MC phono stages are welcome but not essential.

Speakers are Guru QM10.

Candidates are:
Rega Elex-R;
Heed Elixir / Obelisk;
Roksan K3;
Croft Phono Integrated;
Sonneteer Alabaster;
Exposure 2010;
Primare I30.

Any suggestions?

Thank you.
Mauro

[hifinutt]

grab Ians alabaster before it goes !!! be very quick

https://www.hifiwigwam.com/forum/topic/149168-fs-sonneteer-alabaster-integrated-amplifier/

bargain

[gerlando]

grab Ians alabaster before it goes !!! be very quick

https://www.hifiwigwam.com/forum/topic/149168-fs-sonneteer-alabaster-integrated-amplifier/

bargain

Thank you for your suggestion.

Unfortunately, I have to sell mine before...

[BultyBoy]

I bought an Elex r new recent and thinks it's pretty amazing

[macvisual]

Have a look at the PS Audio 'Sprout' integrated amp, should tick all your boxes. £800 new, 100 watts.

Cheers;
Peter

[high.spirits]

I loved the sound of the Sonneteer Alabaster when I audioned a few years ago. Only bettered by the very much more expensive Luxman.

[hifinutt]

Thank you for your suggestion.

Unfortunately, I have to sell mine before...

maybe he will part ex?

[gerlando]

Thank you Phil, but unfortunately his words are:
"Only selling as I have just bought a Crayon CIA-1T integrated amplifier and this is too good to be just sitting there doing nothing."

So, I don't think he would agree to a part exchange.

[hifi_dave]

My recommendations would be the Rega Elex-r and Croft. Not only are they great products with excellent phono stages but reliable and backup is second to none if ever required.

The Sonneteer would also have been on the list but I believe the company is no longer in business.

[Pieoftheday]

My recommendations would be the Rega Elex-r and Croft. Not only are they great products with excellent phono stages but reliable and backup is second to none if ever required.

The Sonneteer would also have been on the list but I believe the company is no longer in business.

Sonneteer website is still up and running:)

[hifi_dave]

The past two years I have tried to order products from them with no success.

[Pieoftheday]

The past two years I have tried to order products from them with no success.

Strange innit? Website def up n running

[hifinutt]

interesting , contacted them over weekend and very much in business .[ via facebook page ]

[hifinutt]

that sonneteer is still available

review https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-sonneteer-alabaster-integrated-amplifier/

However, the Alabaster’s sound is beguiling, and this integrated amp is piece of gear to be enjoyed for many years to come. The warmth of its sonic character will help it mate well with many sources. If a prospective buyer does not require bells and whistles like a built-in DAC, networking connectivity, variable outputs for a subwoofer, or a remote control, this may be the integrated amplifier he or she has been seeking. I recommend it wholeheartedly, and it handily deserves a 2017 TONEAudio Exceptional Value Award.[9]

[gerlando]

I have had an Alabaster in the past (bought ex demo from Dave) but the sound was too dark and slow for my taste.
I much prefer a lighter and faster sound, for example like LFD, Lavardin, some Naim.
I also had a Sonneteer Sedley as phono stage, having the same experience.

[hifinutt]

ah understood mauro
i find the arcam integrateds give that fine balance
perhaps this might be good

https://www.hifiwigwam.com/forum/topic/149313-fs-arcam-a39-integrated-amplifier/

[Mr. C]

Haider and Remio are concentrating on smaller hand held devices these days, the last time we spoken them they haver no plans to fabricate any of the more traditional pieces unless they have quality order for them.

[hifi_dave]

Haider and Remio are concentrating on smaller hand held devices these days, the last time we spoken them they haver no plans to fabricate any of the more traditional pieces unless they have quality order for them.
Pity. They were excellent products.

[gerlando]

Has anyone ever compared Exposure 2010S2 with Rega Elex-R / Brio or Naim Nait 5si?

[Mr. C]

Pity. They were excellent products.

Not going to disagree Dave

[hifi_dave]

Has anyone ever compared Exposure 2010S2 with Rega Elex-R / Brio or Naim Nait 5si?
I have, hence my recommendations in post no.9.