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What are the best entry level integrated amps and speakers?

My daughter just got a new place and wants to upgrade her Best Buy based stereo system.  She is only interested in two channel stereo (good for her).  I told her if you're willing to get used equipment of high quality you'll get a better system like I did (Krell, Ayre, Revel).  We are looking for an integrated amp and speakers.  The amp should put out 75-100 watts.  She has enough room for floor standing speakers or something smaller.  So far I have researched NAD and Outlaw for amps and PSB for speakers.  What would you recommend?  I think the budget will be $1,000-1,500.

 Thanks for your input.

pipebro

Showing 1 response by jrpnde

jrpnde
271 posts
 
By all means don't purchase an amp and speakers without auditioning them in person, if that's possible. I'm sure you would advise your daughter about that. Some amps and some speakers match up well and others do not.
Here's a first hand example....
I used to use a HK receiver with a pair of Klipsch monitors. Those speakers weren't the lower of the Klipsch line but their top Reference series. The sound was OK but I decided to upgrade. I purchased a NAD integrated (C375BEE) and connected the Klipsch speakers. Sounded like a thick blanket had been thrown over the speakers and sounded much worse than with the HK receiver.
Then went to my local audio store and auditioned my NAD amp with a pair of PSB Imagine B speakers. The improvement of sound was astounding. So, proper amp/speaker match ups are essential.


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