mid fi choices NAD vs Adcom vs Rotel ... $400


I know its not a lot of money is this world. I want to start small and work my way up. I know i'll be buying older equipment. Is it just personal preference with these brands being considered to be the same class of equipment? I've also noticed some raves about a particular Yamaha and Onkyo model. Don't see too much about Denon, which i thought was in the same class. Anything else i should be searching for?
fivefasts

Showing 1 response by bongofury

Fivefast

Agree with Bokfudo. NAD makes exceptional stuff. I have a 3020-based amp that has been problem free for 20 years.

Here are some systems that sound fantastic on a budget. I have built these for my children, auditioned them or I own them.

Digital:

iPod with a Blue Sky Audio EXO--$300. Dynamic and slays anything at this price. Available through Guitar Center.

iPod with Audioengine 2s--$200

CDs:

Entry amp:

Cambridge 340 A ($200)

or

Mid-fi amp:

NAD C372 Amp ($800)

Matched to:

Efficient speakers:

1) Paradigm Atoms Speakers ($200)
2) DALI Lector 1s ($400)
3) Skiing Ninja Mods of AV123 ($900)

CD Player:

Sony Playstation 1 $40
Oppo 980 $169
NAD 525 $300

Vinyl:

Rega P1 tt ($400)
Bellari 129 phono stage ($250)