|
New member Username: MunkeyquePost Number: 1 Registered: May-07 | Hi, I used to have a Sony TA-FE370 amp and a pair of Eltax Monitor IIIs, until I recently got given a pair of huge old Kef Cadenzas from 1973. The high-end on these is so much better than the Monitors (and the bass is much, much deeper) I decided to keep them and sell the Monitors. However, the Sony is on its way out - there is a constant clicking when it warms up, and the transformer hums like mad. Anyway, what amp would you recommend? I have a rather limited budget of around A£60, so I was thinking along the lines of a quality amp of similar vintage to the speakers. Any suggestions? Thanks. |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 7156 Registered: Dec-04 | Tim, was your post 60 quid? |
|
New member Username: MunkeyquePost Number: 2 Registered: May-07 | Yup - if you're on about the budget, it's 60 GB pounds |
|
Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 10363 Registered: May-04 | . Tell us what you can find to buy for that amount and we'll pick from that short list. Otherwise, this is a hopeless endeavour that spans decades of used equipment that you don't have access to or can't afford. Lil'help, please. |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 7158 Registered: Dec-04 | OK, here's a challenge then. |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 7159 Registered: Dec-04 | Tim, I don't know the speakers. When you say huge, are they like a Cadenza Credenza type huge? What's the sensitivity of those? Loaded horns? |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 7160 Registered: Dec-04 | Oops, found what we need. http://www.kef.com/history/1970/cadenza.asp I'm thinking T-amp. |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 7161 Registered: Dec-04 | Strange sensitivity description, if useful at all. |
|
New member Username: MunkeyquePost Number: 3 Registered: May-07 | Nuck - those are the ones I have. I agree that the sensitivity measurements are kind of weird, but it works out to be 83db/w - not extremely sensitive. I think the T-Amp is best paired with more sensitive speakers. Jan - I'm sorry but looking on ebay, there's so many different ones I don't know where to start. I was wondering if anyone could recommend from personal experience, as I have not been able to find reviews of the older amps. Thanks for the help. |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 7164 Registered: Dec-04 | Tim, just pick 3 and post links. 83? Band stuff, for sure do you need. |
|
Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 10365 Registered: May-04 | . That should work out to approx. $100. Why bother? If the Sony works and has a good track record of working, that would be worth $100 to most people. Anything that is "better" is likely being unloaded by someone who either doesn't have a clue what they own (good luck there, look for the $20 McIntosh MC275) or is being discarded for reasons they probably don't want to discuss or in need of serious refurbishment. So what do you expect to find that would be an improvement over what you already own for that amount of money? This sounds like $100 burning a hole in your pocket rather than a logical thought process. Lead us to your treasures, sir. . |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 7167 Registered: Dec-04 | For the 120 US, a bunch of new music might be better. |
|
New member Username: MunkeyquePost Number: 4 Registered: May-07 | http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/jvc-super-a-AX2-intergrated-amplifier-mint-condition_W0QQi temZ330114580990QQihZ014QQcategoryZ3280QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TECHNICS-SU-V505-CLASSIC-AMPLIFIER_W0QQitemZ270116209060QQ ihZ017QQcategoryZ3280QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/nad-3020-series-20-amplifier_W0QQitemZ270117569653QQihZ017 QQcategoryZ3280QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem These are three taken from ebay random-ish. The Nad 3020 I've managed to find good things about, but nothing on the other two. What do you mean by band stuff? The sensitivity isn't great, but they do sound good compared to modern speakers. |
|
New member Username: MunkeyquePost Number: 5 Registered: May-07 | Sorry about the double post, I didn't see the other replies until I posted my last reply. Jan - the Sony is on its way out - as I have said, for the first 30 - 40 mins after coming out of standby, there is a very loud clicking from both channels. This also happens randomly during use. Also, when idle, the transformer hums loudly. I'm looking for an amp to replace this. I don't have much money to spare, hence the low budget! |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 7170 Registered: Dec-04 | Tim, you have to post your options. |
|
Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 10367 Registered: May-04 | . Unless you just can't live with the Sony any longer, I'd hold off until more funds are available. The JVC and Technics are what you are most likely to find at this price. They are no better, if as good, as the Sony. If you must replace the Sony, either of these will be about the same, rather dreadful but useable. The NAD is the best of many choices, but it is obsolete as far as service is concerned, as are the JVC and Techincs. When you have problems you will be replacing this "new" amp also. So why do you suppose someone would want to part with such audio jewels? If you just have to spend some money, look for a basic power amp and place a volume control in line from the CD to the amp. Not the best arrangement, but it should provide clean sound and something more to build upon. http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=302-601 That's what I seee on Audiogon that I would pay any money to own and one new amp from Audio Source. $100-120 isn't going to buy much unless you buy smart. There is a very good possibility the $100 amp you would buy has been sitting in someone's closet for a few years and the power supply caps will crap out after about a week of use. Best Buy sells a house brand (Insignia) stereo receiver for $99 on sale. Buy it and get a warranty. . |
|
Platinum Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 10368 Registered: May-04 | Insignia Stereo Receiver Please don't tell me you'll hold out for something better at this price. |
|
Gold Member Username: NuckPost Number: 7181 Registered: Dec-04 | 100w and 21 lbs. For a c-note. Tim, are you listening? |
|
New member Username: MunkeyquePost Number: 6 Registered: May-07 | Sorry about the late reply - my router fried last night and I just got my hands on a new one. Thanks for the help everyone - I managed to pick up a Denon PMA-350 for A£10 (about $20) at the local Cash Converters (basically a pawn shop). It was sitting alone in a corner scratched to hell and missing a couple of knobs, but it works great despite the fact you have to adjust the balance with a pair of needle-nosed pliers... I'll put up with this until I get more money, but the sound isn't too bad for the price. The power amp with a volume control sounds like a great idea, shame I didn't see your post before! When I get more funds, I think that's what I'll do - as you said, it could be built on with a preamp etc. Thanks for the links. |