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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
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
Ann, I personally would consider either a new NAD int. amp (NAD C-320 BEE/C-350) or would look for a used Nad 312 int. amp (has a decent phono stage) or perhaps a Marantz PM-57 int. amp.(tons of features but doesn't have the power/headroom of the NAD.) Arcam Alpha 1, or 7/7R would also merit consideration. Used around $150-250. New Nad int. amp around $350. Since you have a Nad 4300 tuner, which is remote-controllable?, a remote-controlled Nad int. amp might be able to operate both pieces. Finally, consider replacing those JBL's (L-82T?)as soon as funds permit. The titanium tweeter they use is very bright sounding, but who knows w/ that new int. amp they may sound fantastic. Good Luck! Bill
geoffgarcia
92 posts
 
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.
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.
bomarc
501 posts
 
Ann: I'm with Geoff on one point--in your price range, you're unlikely to hear much difference among amps/receivers. So, I would not assume, as you do, that a NAD would be better than a Sony. (And based on my own experience, I'd bet the Sony would give you more trouble-free years.)
mcfavre4
85 posts
 
I find it hard to think any knowledgeable Agoner would suggest anything under $400 in a integrated amp will sound like most recievers! Ann wants to grow in the hobby and will hear a difference. The NAD C340 or C350 sound more musical than any Sony reciever at double, even triple the price new. I have never heard anything Sony (non ES) to be more musical than a NAD product near the same money. The NAD will also allow a better match to speakers choosen in the future since good budget speaker units tend to offer lots of detail, the cheap Sony amps would sound horrible on them. The NAD units are a bit rolled off in the highs (C340 and C350, not the 320BEE). This would suit your JBLs well also. The soundstaging of the NAD units will do vocals very well indeed as the NADs do have a "fuller sounding" soundstage than many thin sounding receivers. You can get a used C340 or C350 for under $300, maybe even $225 or a demo C320BEE at QAudio for $319. You don't need a reciever obviously since you have a nice tuner. Stick with the NAD.
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