Finally upgrading my amp


My budget is $2500.

My system currently consists of a pair of B&W 630's, an old Denon 50 watt reciever (DRA-550) from the mid 80's,  and a Marantz 5004 cd player.  And a technics 1500c Turntable.

Is integrated the way to go with my budget?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

128x128jjbeason14

Great suggestions here: Rogue, Peachtree, Hegel.

Shopping at The Music Room will net you a great, checked out piece. Here's a search result with a bunch of good options selected.

Here's the  CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED list I chose from what is currently available:

  • Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL MZ3 Tube Headphone Amplifier; Integrated; LPS+ $2,549.00 
  • Hegel H120 Stereo Integrated Amplifier (1/2) $2,249.00 
  • Hegel H120 Stereo Integrated Amplifier (1/3) $2,099.00 
  • Hegel H120 Stereo Integrated Amplifier $1,979.01 
  • Cary Audio CAD-300 SEI Stereo Tube Integrated Amplifier $3,999.00 
  • Jolida Audio DJ1000 RC Stereo Tube Integrated Amplifier $1,175.14 
  • Peachtree Carina GaN Stereo Integrated Amplifier; Gloss Mocha; MM Phono (Unused) $2,771.01 
  • Peachtree Nova 300 Stereo Integrated Amplifier; MM Phono $1,066.36 
  • Cary Audio AiOS Wireless Stereo Integrated Amplifier; Roon Ready; BT $1,425.54 
  • Lyngdorf TDAI-2170 Stereo Integrated Amplifier $2,823.50 
  • PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium Stereo Tube Integrated Amplifier; (No Remote) $1,551.51 
  • PrimaLuna EVO 100 Stereo Tube Integrated Amplifier; EVO100 (No Phono) $1,835.10 

I support all the suggestions so far. Used gear is the way to go unless you have a big wallet or want the security of "New". In addition, the amount of functioning used gear is almost unlimited. If you enjoy the hunt, CL and MPlace in your area is a great place to start. No shipping and prices can be amazingly low and most sellers are not getting enough traffic that they eventually just want it out of the house. Upgrading your current Denon to newer main stream brands like Denon, Yamaha, Marantz, Pioneer etc can be rewarding and may meet your desired enjoyment needs. Then you can continue to swap for better and better gear. Add a Streamer like a $219 "Wiim Pro Plus" so you can evaluate your next upgrades and features that you would like to add to you system. As you can tell I am frugal because I have to be but the system I have put together on a frugal budget that provides me with enjoyment that I believe is an audiophile experience. Good luck hunting and have fun!!!!

Hegel 190. Preowned within your budget. Or up your budget to 3500 and get the Hegel 390 used.