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.
ruleof72
The TV sits in the corner of the room and we sit a bit off center from the TV. I can get better imaging if the speakers are a bit further apart which I can do if I place the speakers along the wall opposite from our seating space. That's the reason for wanting and A/B speaker option.

Regarding the NAD C372, what make of speakers would be good choices to match up with it in the $200-500 price range?
For the budget you're speaking off,
I'm a fan of Nikko amps. For the price you're paying for them used it's very hard to find a better one.
You may use your current receiver and add a poweramp Nikko alpha that's being sold from $150...$400 depending on condition and the output power.
You don't need a preamp with a squeezebox, it has its own volume control. Forget about a preamp and buy a better amp.
Actually, there are a couple of receivers that offer fairly decent amplifier sections for the price and will work well with speakers in the price range that you are looking for:

Denon DRA395 (list $350)
Outlaw RR2150 (list $600; available direct from Outlaw Audio)
Yamaha RX 797 (list $500)

As for speakers, try to track down a pair of NHT SB2 or SB3. They have been discontinued, but are available if you shop around. Very special speakers.

You can also try the Wharfedale Diamond 9.2's. Another special speaker. they list for $550 and Audio Advisor has them for $350.

Regards, Rich

A used Rotel 1060, 1062 or RA-02 would give you great sound within your budget and the outputs for two pair of speakers.