2. amps-preamps
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low cost integrated amp for newbie

I'd like some advice on a low-cost integrated amp for a starter system. Under $300 would be my preference. Used is fine. I wouldn't call myself an audiophile (yet?) but I appreciate good design & quality sound. So far the only audiophile piece I've got is a NAD 4300 tuner, purchased at the advice of a co-worker who was determined to woo me into the realm of high-quality audio gear.

I was running the tuner through my old Sansui RZ-5000 receiver which is gradually losing its functionality (thus the tuner purchase in the first place). It was limping along until my most recent move. Now it cannot transmit to either left speaker channel, so I'm on a mono system at the moment. The receiver has always been a nuisance to use, even when it worked properly. The design and quality of NAD feels like a breath of fresh air after dealing with such cumbersome equipment. I want more like it.

I listen to lots of talk radio, folk, blues, and electronica. Sometimes from the internet, usually the airwaves. Of course I play CDs too, but maybe only 1/4 of the time. I seldom play anything terribly loud as I have a small house with oak floors. I'd rather have speakers in every room than blast the volume from one spot.

My current speakers are JBL ("JBL82," they say on the inside plate), circa mid-1980s. I have no idea how they compare to anything else quality-wise, I inherited them from a friend. They sound okay. Not amazing, not bad, but okay. Eventually they'll probably go, too.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, or feel free to point me to existing threads.
ann

Showing 2 responses by ann

ann OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for all your responses and opinions. This is a great site.

To clarify: I've got a lovely NAD tuner sitting here (it's Monitor series, no remote) and a sickly receiver. Basically I need to either a) get an integrated amp, or b) replace the receiver with another one. But I just love the design of the tuner and like the idea of getting something that will last and be enjoyable to use. Maybe I'm more of a design snob than an audiophile :)

My assumption is that anything from NAD etc. would be better than the typical Sony receiver. If so, maybe I'll just watch the Audiogon bargain bin for something priced right and with the features I want, and just assume the sound quality will be reasonable. Is this fair?

Great point about the speakers. Once I get a decent amp or receiver to power my system I'll start dreaming about speakers and I'm sure it will make a difference. One thing at a time on my budget.
ann OP
2 posts
 
I have read reviews on several amps mentioned in this thread and am starting to get a sense of the differences between them (and between amps in general). One of the amps mentioned by a couple of you is the Acurus DIA-100. Wow, stellar reviews. However, I noticed that some reviewers mention the high degree of "detail" this amp provides, and how it can sound less-than-pleasant with lower quaity speakers. In fact, this "detail" issue was mentioned in reviews of other amps, too. This leaves me wondering if it would be better to get an amp designed for a more modest system.

This discussion is helping to clarify something for me: I was under the impression initially that there was some kind of absolute scale of good-better-best, but I'm concluding that at a certain point it boils down to context: what other gear you're combining it with and your personal preference for sound.

Time to head over to a listening room and educate my ears. Right now it's all too academic. I'm ready for some test-drives.
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