Thanks for the insight and suggestions! So far the NAD C372 and Rotel 1060/1062 seem like contenders price/budget wise. What are the major differences in sound from those 2 manufacturers, is there a significantly different sound? Also, how do the Cambridge Audio integrated amps compare and what are some suggested bookshelf speakers to pair up with these amps?
Suggestions for lower priced pre/amp
I am looking to replace our 17 year old Nikko receiver as it is slowly starting to give up. Right now it is in our family room and has a small TV connected to it. We have a dedicated HT in the basement that handles all the multi-channel stuff. So, I was thinking of upgrading this to a better 2-channel setup to listen mostly to our music which I am currently converting to lossless FLAC files that will be played over a Squeezebox. The room is about 12wx15long and has 8 ft ceilings. The current setup has the receiver/speakers in the corner of the room angling out toward the seating area. We sit about 10 feet from the speakers and I have bookshelf speakers that are spaced about 5-6 ft apart. Our music is a little bit of everything, Classic Rock/Blues to Classical and instrumental jazz with just about all genres represented. Listening is mostly low to moderate volume but I do "crank" it sometimes.
My budget is most likely $500 or under for the amp. I will want to connect the TV audio to it but other than that all I need is an input for the Squeezebox. My current speakers are fairly sensitive (90, I think) but I may be replacing them within the next year or so so that could change.
Since I haven't been in the market for an amp or speakers in quite a while I'd like to get some ideas to narrow the field down. I know the amp and speakers work together so if you could suggest possible bookshelf sized speakers that might be a match with the amp that would be very helpful.
My budget is most likely $500 or under for the amp. I will want to connect the TV audio to it but other than that all I need is an input for the Squeezebox. My current speakers are fairly sensitive (90, I think) but I may be replacing them within the next year or so so that could change.
Since I haven't been in the market for an amp or speakers in quite a while I'd like to get some ideas to narrow the field down. I know the amp and speakers work together so if you could suggest possible bookshelf sized speakers that might be a match with the amp that would be very helpful.