[Francation]

I would not buy the Schiit Vidar yet, a product that I have followed these days. There have been some complaints about the first series and some speaker cables (for capacitance). Presumably they will solve it soon.

My other option was: Icepower 1200AS amp. Class D like you've never

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=153645.0

Re: Schiit Vidar, I saw that discussion and it gave me some hesitation, but they have a good warranty and it seems it was just an issue with the first batch?

Re: Icepower 1200AS amp, it seems quite promising from Mike's review, but Mike seems to be a "polarizing" character on other forums. I will wait until some customers get their hands on it and give their feedback. Also the 6+ week wait for the parts is too long for me, since I need an amp now. If it turns out to be anywhere near the product he is saying, it looks like an AMAZING value. 

Regardless, I purchased the Hegel H80 tonight so we will see how it works out first 

[maty]

I have been following bavmike for years in the Diyaudio forums.

I had always ruled out class D because of his problems with highs, his lack of naturalness.

For being him and his trajectory the sales of a product have been shot that nobody else has listened.

It is a problem of trust. Right now Shiit Vidar does not have much.

[JLM]

As fast as digital playback technology is moving I'd consider any DAC in an integrated to be a throw away/good as a backup.  Had one in a $1500 preamp a few years back and it was definitely the weak link/after thought.  With the H80 being 3+ years old, that'd most probably be true, but Hegel does seem like a good brand. 

A better option for a digital only or digital top priority system is a DAC that includes a preamp.  I had a $500 Emotiva DC-1 DAC/preamp/headphone unit a couple of years ago and was reasonably satisfied with it (sound was a bit harsh/not delicate), but no HT bypass.  At these prices you might be better off giving up on a built-in DAC and going with a 'disposable' DAC like AudioQuest Dragon Fly, iFi, or Meridian Explorer 2.   

[maty]

I keep several threads about hard in other forums (hidden from Google).

Only $499 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NuForce STA200 160-watt Stereo Power-Amplifier, GOLMUND Swiss-design!

https://www.amazon.com/NuForce-STA200-160-watt-Power-Amplifier-Swiss-design/dp/B01552AKCU

[IMG Inside amp] Nuforce STA200 vs JOB 225

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=151000.msg1615240#msg1615240

Years ago, in others forums (I do not write in spanish net from years), my election:

[Spanish] http://aficionados.foroactivo.com/t206-the-job-225-amplificador-suizo-con-tecnologia-goldmund-a-precio-asequible

My problem was the noise, RF/EMI interferences, DC at mains, high voltage (near 240 volts) .... Amps with higher band (like class D amps and this JOB) can be problematic if you do not have a clean power. Power conditioner commercials often hurt with these amplifiers so fast, with very high slew-rate.

[maty]

And The Job Integrated amp.

http://www.jobsys.com/products.htm

[Review] http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/job3/1.html

[mtrot]

mtrot, you may not have been able to get the best from your Krell yet, it is a beast, excellent transient response and power, if you got an integrated, you'd be going backward, unless spending 5 figures to get close in the power amp section.  You, indeed, just need a preamp.  Man, if you can find a used KRC-3 you'd have a killer set up.  If not, a 280p may do alright and be in your budget used.  Any decent balanced circuit preamp would work, further chlices used, Bryston or Coda.

I am not a fan of Rotel, I personally don't like the sound, and, anyone familiar and honest would tell you preamps was never their strong point.  I'd prefer using an Emotiva and saving the money.

Here's a good choice for preamp. https://wyred4sound.com/products/pre-amps/stp-se

Thanks for the tips.  I'm looking to see if there is a balanced circuit pre-amp with home theater bypass.

[JackD]

The STP-SE ticks all the boxes and sounds great too.

[Mr Peabody]

Any Krell has a bypass.  I forget their term for it but trust me they all have one.  I think "theater through".

[johnto]

The Parasound Halo Integrated seems to have everything you're looking for.  It can be found used at your price point.
I have one it's a very nice piece of equipment  comes with Stereophile A rating.

[Rosefall15]

I think trying Hegel integrated amplifier is an economic solution for you if you don’t want to have separate preamp-power.

Hegel H80 is a little bit old but it’s good if you’re already have a DAC.

[jamespandit]

Parasound P5 will be a good choice.