Better Integrated Amp?


Hi, I'm looking at my first set up and have been advised by people on this website to get an integrated amp (including phono stage). I'm looking at the Quad Vena 2 which I would have to get second hand due to cost, and the Denon PMA-800NE which I could buy new whilst still being the cheaper option. I'm open to other suggestions to just wanted to get your thoughts on which amp I should go for or if I should look at some others too.
oliverben5672
IF you can find Speakers, local pick up, and can listen at seller’s, and get right to return, you will know condition, sound quality, and option of easy return without packaging/shipping.
You have been given some excellent advise and choices above. I second the Yamaha options as well rounded and full featured integrated amps. The Rega Brio is minimalist but sounds great and has a better phono section. Cambridge CXA series is nice as well. Marantz has some nice sounding amps in that price range and are very well reviewed. My experience has been they have a "mellower" sound than the others mentioned. They mate very well with, let's say a pair of Klipsch. Speaker matching will be important....Have fun!
I'm with elliottbnewcombjr. Vintage (well maintained) will give you the most bang for the buck (or pound). Back when power was rated @RMS, this was a more honest, realistic rating. Older Marantz, Sansui, Sony and Pioneer receivers shouldn't disappoint, with most having built-in phono stage. For whatever reason I never see older JBL speakers mentioned. They excel for listening to rock/metal type music. Highly efficient and easy to push. When ready to upgrade, they should maintain resale value or you can hold on to for a secondary system. So many options, so little time...
Okay lots of information I worry I might miss some stuff. I’ve been looking at speakers and one that seems to have a lot of positive reviews are Q Acoustics 3050, and I’ve found a website selling them at £330 which is about £200 less than other websites. Not sure if anyones had any experience with these? They have a really high sensitivity at 92db but do have a rear port which some people have warned me about. Its also had a newer model replace it, the 3050i but for the extra money there doesnt appear to be too much of a difference in its make up.
The recomended power listed on their website is 25-100W at 6Ohms, the 6 does confuse me a little as all amps and almost all speakers I've seen say 4 or 8.
Another amp thats come up quite a few times is Marantz PM6006 (some Uk edition) which seems decent to. Its almost like theres too much to choose from!
Like Arizonabob says so many options so little time... (and so little moeny)...