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Best bang for buck integrated amp for $500

Looking for best bang for buck amp for under $ 500.  I have triangle Bro 2 speakers already and cables and a dac.  So just looking at a amp.  Something in the 50-100 watt range, slightly on warm side of neutral, good low end, all the good stuff.

Right now i own the Emotiva basx A-100 its not bad i paid $199 but i want to step up my game.  Im kinda looking at Cambridge audio AXR100, a couple of yamahas, but wide open to suggestions ?

Michael
128x128audiomike33
steve_wisc
45 posts
 
If we’re talking bang for the buck, might I suggest Marantz? In my experience you either love the Marantz "house sound" or you don’t.

IMO, warm and well rounded. Has "direct" function that bypasses the Marantz tone controls. Marantz has always been conservative with stated power ratings. I have a pre-owned PM8006 from TMR rated at 70, review tested at 90. It’s been said if you want that "classic" British speaker sound, Marantz and Wharfedale.

Having said that...

IMO, you simply can’t go "wrong" with NAD new/used at any price point. Pre-owned NAD will be next on my second system rack replacing a Marantz PM5005.

[edited for clarity]
audiomike33's avatar
audiomike33 OP
117 posts
 
Wow I don't even know where to begin I got so many suggestions.  I will say the marantz PM 606 does look pretty sick looking haven't heard the Moran sound in over 20 years.

I never knew choosing an amp would be this difficult.
steve_wisc
45 posts
 
With time comes experience.

Welcome to the journey.
steve_wisc
45 posts
 
IMO, you are going to want to stay far away from *any * pre-owned Marantz on ebay.  Marantz on ebay are NOT the ones you want.
leemaze
329 posts
 
Rega is a great great choice IMO. 

You could get a used Brio-R in your price range.  They are truly excellent. No headphone jack tho. If you're patient you could get the newer model Used for $650-$700.  It will be well worth it - something that can remain in your system for a long time.

I've used my Brio-R to drive many different speakers - since it's small its easy to bring over to someone's house if you're demoing used speakers - it has never disappointed or failed to drive anything.  I've had Marantz, Rotel, NAD, Yamaha amps all in that price range and the Rega always sounded best.  It's super fun and always projects the rhythm and emotion of the music in a way the others don't.

I've loved my Brio-R for 3+ years and recently upgraded to the Elicit-R after trying several other $1.5k-$4k amps - again the Rega was the clear choice.   And still using the Brio-R for my kitchen speakers.

Also you'll be surprised how heavy it is, especially for it's size!
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