2. amps-preamps
  3. 1047853415

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 1 response by fishinfool

fishinfool
32 posts
 
Great suggestions above (except for receivers over integrated amps and the reliability of Sony gear), but let me add one comment:

If you buy an integrated amp first, then you must match your future speakers to the specifications of the amp you have already chosen (unless you want to purchase another amplifier). This could severely limit your future speaker choices.

Each speaker presents different loads for your amplifier. The most common speaker problems are low efficiency, low characteristic impedance (<4 ohm), and difficult load characteristics (such as the capacitive load of electrostatic speakers). Some speakers need very high current, high power amplifiers; some requirement amplifiers that can operate into very low impedances without becoming unstable, some require amplifiers that like capacitive loads (such as tube amps), etc. Will your future speakers be a good match for your chosen amplifier? If it's a high efficiency, 8-ohm impedance, and resistive load, then you will probably be ok otherwise, you may need a different amp.

For me, its easier to find a speaker I love and then get the best amp I can afford to drive it, rather than have my speaker choice dictated by my amplifier. Just some food for thought!
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