Integrated or Receiver?


That is the question.

As my luck would have it, my near 30 year old Denon PMA520 integrated amp is apparently on its way out.  I've already spent $150 to fix one problem only to have one channel all but vanish (can hear some high end audio but it is faint) and the other channel cuts in and out.  Since I had the unit cleaned just a few weeks ago and the noise that had cropped up in deep bass, I would have to believe this is another problem and would require additional servicing at additional cost.

The way I see it, this is throwing good money after bad.  Will probably scrap this thing and will buy something new.

Since my budget is going to be under $400 right now thanks to a slew of other expenses that take priority, I am wondering if I should just settle for a basic entry level amp like the Yamaha 301 or Onkyo 9050 or purchase a Receiver from Yamaha or some other company that is fairly inexpensive and use that for a couple of years until I can buy a better integrated amp when I should have more money to budget for it.

Any thoughts on this?
will62

Showing 1 response by rterlisner

if you listen to fm broadcast then you should be happy with just about any yamaha reciever.  i bought one a few years ago for my nephew as a graduation present and he is thrilled with it.

if not, then i'd take a look at the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 Integrated Amp.  audio advisor has it for $300 and it gets great reviews.  it has an integrated phone stage input and bass/treble controls which i am a fan of.  then go for a turntable and an am/fm tuner at a later date
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CATOAM10