this NAD has a nice appearance as well as built-in MM Phono
https://www.ebay.com/itm/193870577638?epid=10022973142&hash=item2d23963fe6:g:hGcAAOSwYjdgFLpJ
https://www.ebay.com/itm/193870577638?epid=10022973142&hash=item2d23963fe6:g:hGcAAOSwYjdgFLpJ
Best Integrated Amp (for me)
I recently upgraded to a Pro-Ject Classic turntable. I currently own KEF LS50 bookshelf speakers and a Nikko NR-719 tuner (from the 1980s).
I'm interested in upgrading to a better-quality (and nicer-looking) integrated amplifier to pair with my turntable and speakers. I love things that are really simple and classic-looking (but of course I also want it to sound great). I'm looking to spend somewhere between $500-$1000.
Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
Showing 7 responses by elliottbnewcombjr
there's some fun stuff on eBay, anyone know about NEC brand's reliability? this one has both MM and MC Phono built in https://www.ebay.com/itm/133700339504?hash=item1f21294730:g:OrMAAOSwxrFgV15x |
how much volume/power do you need? Your speakers are low efficiency, only 85 db, which means more power is needed for the same volume level than more efficient speaker designs. I presume you are using the KEF’s in a situation where a lot of volume is not needed. If so, amp power will not be an issue. I am doing well in my small office, low 87 db sensitivity and only 10 wpc tube amp. For a main system, larger space, more volume needed, many of us recommend trying for higher efficiency speakers, near or above 90 db. Then lower powered amps, especially lower powered TUBE amps can be used if desired. Less power = less heat; less size and weight; more placement options; and presumably less money. ..................................... Do you now, or might you sometime add a sub? IF you select an amp or integrated amp, try to get one with pre-out/main in, or a tape loop, or a processor loop (any line level out/in loop). That will let you send the line level signal out to a self-powered sub with it’s own crossover and amp for the low bass. The sub will send the line level without the low bass to your amp’s main in. Now your amp does not need to make low bass, and the less efficient speakers also don’t need to try and make low bass. I planned on doing that, but made an improper assumption my little Luxman had that, it doesn’t. I’m ok in this small office, but not in a larger space with inefficient speakers. Vintage Luxmans usually have pre-out/main-in, this new SQ-N150 does not. |
this compact minimalist rega with phono would look great with your KEF speakers https://www.ebay.com/itm/114309536201?hash=item1a9d6119c9:g:CPkAAOSwMmRfEfYr |
this popped up, you would need a separate phono stage https://www.ebay.com/itm/324692444385?hash=item4b992d84e1:g:p1gAAOSwjQZg0yWv https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/tas-195-vincent-audio-v-60-integrated-amplifier |