For an integrated try the Audio Refinement Complete or the Audio Analog Puccini. Either can be had for around $500 used. For speakers try a used pair of SPICAS. Both the TC-60 or Angelus are huge bang for buck bargins. I have the Complete/Angelus combo and it comes very close to my much more expensive Audio Research/Audio Physics combo. Or if you are really feeling froggy try a Decware Zen Amp and a used pair of Klipsh Herseys ( a sweet combo !). The ZEN amp has a volume pot on the back, so you could run your CD direct into the amp and use the pot on the back of the amp or if your CD player has a volume control use that instead. The Zen is a tube amp, but its very owner friendly, only $30 to retube. Cheers !
Advice for the Budget 'Phile
I recently acquired a Rega Planar 3 turntable and am looking to upgrade my amp and speakers to better take advantage of it. I have $800 to spend. I listen mostly to roots blues on vinyl and modern pop/rock on CD; this system will also be used for watching movies (so I need a flexible, all-around system). Below you will find my current choices. Any advice on them or alternatives to them would be appreciated.
Integrated Amp (puchasing use)
Creek 4330 (with added phono stage)
Rotel RA971
Cambridge Audio A500 (with added phono stage)
Speakers (used):
PSB Image 4t
NHT SuperTwo
Vandersteen 2C
(I'm not very confident about my speaker candidates; I'm tempted by monitor speakers by Paradigm, B&W, etc. but I don't want to lose good, musical bass reproduction).
Thanks.
Integrated Amp (puchasing use)
Creek 4330 (with added phono stage)
Rotel RA971
Cambridge Audio A500 (with added phono stage)
Speakers (used):
PSB Image 4t
NHT SuperTwo
Vandersteen 2C
(I'm not very confident about my speaker candidates; I'm tempted by monitor speakers by Paradigm, B&W, etc. but I don't want to lose good, musical bass reproduction).
Thanks.