Newbie Advice - New Amp Setup


Hello,

I have been listening to MP3s through a giant old Nikko NR-815 for a few years, but I have dug out all of my records and picked up a Nikko turntable as well. Sound was really great for a few days, and then the right channel started rumbling and cracking, but only in the phono section.

So, now I need to get something. Unfortunately, my financial priorities must be elsewhere right now, and audio must be done on the cheap. Here are the options I am considering:

1. Buy another 1970s receiver/amp. There a couple of Sansuis in my area for around $80-$150

2. Buy a cheap phono preamp like a TCC and continue to use the Nikko, since the AUX section sounds great. If it goes, buy a budget power amp at that point.

3. Go into moderate temporary debt and buy something like the Marantz PM 5004 for $450. (this is not an option I like)

My records are mostly 80s import 12"s and LPs, like the Cure, Pil, Siouxsie, but I also have some nice older Nico, Gainsbourg, etc. as well as new reissues and 180 gram. I would not call myself an audiophile in the techy sense, but I do enjoy good sound.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
mr_pink_eye
i doubt there'd be a huge difference in s.q. you could also look for an hk 3485 (older model; will be a lot cheaper), which was a good unit. enjoy.
Loomis - Since I have tiny speakers and a tiny room, and I cannot ever foresee adding more external power or a subwoofer, would the actual sound quality of the 3390 be roughly the same?
i'm sure the hk 3390 sounds fine, but the hk 3490 has more power and a lot more connectivity options (subwoofer out and preouts so you can use it as a power amp or preamp in the future) + a pretty good inboard dac in case you want to connect a computer or other digital source. i haven't heard the yamaha, though i generally like yamaha amps. none of my business, but i'd really encourage you to be patient and wait until you find a good deal on ebay or whereever---you'll save 50% or more (or for the same $300-450 new price you can get a more audiophile grade used unit like an arcam or rotel). alternatively, amazon has used 3490 units for $309 (free shipping). you'll likely be unhappy if you pay full freight, then find it much cheaper tomorrow.
Thanks. I'm really to eager to just go out and buy something so I can get to listening rather than deal-hunting, so I was hoping to just go out to B&H today and come home with a new unit. Is the 3390 not good, compared to the 3490, and would you not recommend the Yamaha R-S300? A new 3490 is getting a bit too high.
the cheapest route for you is to keep your nikko amp, which you like, and get a phono premap--you can find a serviceable pro-ject, cambridge, etc. for $60-100. on the other hand, if you want to stretch to $200-250 or so i'd look at a used harman kardon 3490, which sounds good and has modern features like remote, digital inputs, etc. buying another 70s amp would propbably be a lateral move for you + you'd probably looking at addtional repair/service costs at some point.
Thank you for the response. I wish I knew what the next step up actually was! :)

I'm starting to consider new receivers in the $300 and below range: Yamaha R-S300, Onkyo TX-8255, or Harman HK-3390. Any thoughts?
I own a Sansui AU717, it has been extremely reliable and has plenty of power. As for sound quality I would say it is equivalent of the Nikko. I also own a Nikko power amp ( and tuner) and liked their stuff when it was first introduced here. I think however that in your case it is sort of a lateral move. I would save my nikles and dimes until I could go to the next step up. Good luck