2. amps-preamps
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college kid needs help with budget amps

I'm wanting to move to seperates and i'm on a limited budget. Which would be a better choice: a older-model, used adcom amp and pre amp, such as the GFA 535 and the GTP- 400, or a used/new but late model integrades models from NAD, cambridge audio, or marantz. Or give me your own suggestions for under $500. Also i have klipsch speakers and listen to mostly rock. I'm considering new speakers too, which amp will give me a good start. thanks
128x128yamski
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Cambridge Audio A3i is a great integrated used around $225 to 250; has decent phono stage. The new A300 version 2 is about the same power. Both have two sets of speaker terminals to make biwiring easy and cheap (don't need special cables). Also for used around $650 the Audio Refinement Complete is very very nice. These are all 50 watt amps.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
For a great cheap pre-amp, look for a Superphon (used only). You should be able to find them from $150 to $300 depending on model and age. There are a couple listed on Audiogon now.
ariel
3 posts
 
i have to echo praise for NAD. i'm a college student myself and got a used c340 for $300 about a month ago. it's all i could've asked for for the money
audiokinesis
2,727 posts
 
I personally prefer Arcam to NAD, in a budget solid state integrated. I have owned both, and the NAD is a bit grainy in comparison. The brand I chose to sell in this price range is JoLida, which I think has some very musical offerings - erring on the side of warm and smooth.
photon46
1,076 posts
 
Another good budget preamp that is worth considering is the Cambridge Audio C500. Audio Advisor has them as demo units often. I used one for about a year and was very favorably impressed with it's price/performance ratio. Very musical sounding. If you are interested, go to AudioReview.com and look this one up in the preamp section. The Parasound p/hp 850 is another budget pre worth investigating.
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