For the money Cambridge Audio is a good value, but if you want an integrated that sounds more than twice as good and will really make your system come alive at the budget end of the spectrum, get a Jolida. I purchased a Jolida hybrid 1501 from Galen Audio www.gcaudio.com and Galen gave me a very reasonable price, should be close to your budget.
Recommendation for inexpensive integrated
I'm trying to help out a friend who is finally willing to put a toe into the audiophile world. He picked up a pair of NHT SB3s on sale at Audio Advisor on my recommendation. Now he needs a new integrated amp or receiver, but doesn't want to spend a bunch. I was thinking of the Cambridge Audio Azur 640, but I see that Sam Tellig gave it a mixed review in Stereophile. Do others like that amp? Any other recommendations in the $500 or below price category? (I own a Creek 5350SE myself, but that's too expensive for my friend.) Note that the NHTs are not very efficient so some wattage is needed.
Thanks a lot!
Thanks a lot!