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 geoffgarcia

I have three points I'd like to make to you.

1)
I must completely disagree with Chams_uk, "NEW" shouldn't be in your vocabulary at your price range.

2)
It is MY opinion that for under 500$ used you will not hear an audible difference between an integrated amp and an avg receiver. Based on that I'd recommend you stay with whatever you currently use or CONSIDER opting for a 200$ ish receiver that you can at least get the radio on! because you wont be getting radio on any integrated amps! (since you want talk radio!)

slightly above your budget suggestions (since I see none in your price range):
Linn Majik, can be had for 450-550$
Audio Analogue Puccini SE 525-650$
Anthem Integrated 2 525-650$
Sim Audio i5080 700-800$
Classe CAP150 750-900$

3)
based on the speakers you are using, your budget, and your music tastes I would recommend spending ALL of your money on getting new speakers and using whatever it is you use to power them currently.

I am STRONGLY convinced that in this price range speakers have the biggest influence on sound.

I would consider:
Linn Tukan 250-400$
Dynaudio Audience 350-500$
Totem Rokk 450-550$
Jean Marie-Reynaud MarkII 450-550
Vienna Acoustics Haydn 550-650$

These are my opinions based upon my experiences in this hobby.