What budget integrated for 2-channel A/V gear?


Seeking recommendations for budget 2-channel (under $400) solid state integrated amp (used) for use with TV,PS3,Roku, subwoofer, and mini-monitor speakers. 50 watts up will be enough. Rather avoid the same old NAD/Cambridge Audio stuff please. Ability to connect my subwoofer a big plus. No phono stage needed or wanted.
byegolly

Showing 1 response by ekobesky

Excluding the "same old NAD/Cambridge Audio" stuff, there isn't anything in your price range. Period.

So, you'll have to shop used or refurbished. The Onkyo A-9555 is a nice piece and so are the Denon PMA-2000 and Marantz PM7001. All three have phono stages as standard. Tough cookies.

There are some decent 2-channel receivers in your price range from Harman/Kardon, Denon and Marantz. With phono stages standard. Again, tough cookies. They're not quite up to the standards of the integrateds, but they all probably do have a subwoofer output.

You might be able to pick up a Music Hall A25 in your price range, though I'm afraid you might consider that to be along the lines of NAD and Cambridge.

Audio Advisor currently has the Creek Evolution on sale for $700, a big savings over the $1,000 MSRP. No phono stage and it has preamp outs. You'd be hard pressed to find a used one for $700, so it might be worth stretching your budget if this appeals.

I'd mention used Arcam but...too similar to NAD and Cambridge in terms of pricing, appearance and sound.