Budget amps that can hold their own.


I am working on a system and am building it from the source up. Alredy I have a Njoe Tjoeb 4000 and am working on the Bottlehead Foreplay pre-amp. Now it is time for an amp. I am looking for somthing under $500, but I do not know where to begin. When looking in the under 1k range, a lot of big names put out consumer crap that is not worth the plastic it is made of. What are some decent low budget amps that are worth looking at?

Thanks so much
Eric Baer
iamcrazy111
~~~~Hafler 9505. Right now beemer has one for $525! If you are local, jump on it and don't look back. Seen these get $1000 on ebay. Awesome quality for that price!!!

Just the Facts
By
Speakers first, then the rest.
NAD, Parasound, Adcom, Jolida, Rotel... it all depends on the efficency and sound characteristics of the speaker.
You can pick up an older Bryston 2B amp for $2-300 if you look hard enough. Very sweet sound, 60WPC, suitable for more sensitive speakers...
I am listening to a little Stromberg push/pull tube amp that was lent to me while my custom 300b amp is built. It sounds very, very good considering it has not been opened up for any mods since we received it. For 200 bux delivered it is a great! With new wiring, AC cord, NOS tubes, volumes bypassed (or upgraded), and upgraded components (caps, resistors) this will be wonderful.
9505 Great Amp For The Money I'm Using With ClassE DR5 PRE
and Paradign Studio 100's Lot's Of Clean Power For the Buck
I've been Using This Setup For 2 Years And I'm Very Happy