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| Here's a good way to start off with the first post. My candidates for the best budget integrated amp (under $500, solid state), in alphabetical order, with approximate web prices listed: AMC 3050a ($350) Cambridge Audio A300 V.2 ($250) Cambridge Audio A500 ($400) NAD C350 ($350) Creek 4330R ($450) The AMC has the advantage of MM and MC phono stages and remote. The Cambridge Audio A300 is the least expensive and performs well. The Creek also has a remote and many prefer its minimalist design. NAD has a great, and well deserved, reputation at this price point. Comments? Other suggestions? |
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| My candidates for the best budget integrated amp (under $500, solid state), in alphabetical order, with approximate web prices listed: AMC 3050a ($350) NAD C350 ($350) Creek 4330R ($450) Comment ? Other suggestions ? |
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Anonymous | I'd go with the Creek, hands down. Why? Loads of current (amperage). |
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Anonymous | How about the following (in alphabetic order): Creek 4330/R MKII (600 USD) U.K. Rega Brio (600 USD) U.K. Vasant_K GA-120S Final Edition 0.1 (490 USD) Thailand see: http://kim-lertsubin.com/fwk/Vasant_K.html |
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Anonymous | I'd look for used or at least dealer demo's first. Amps are a good thing to buy used (as are speakers) since they last years and years, if not decades. The people who buy a $1000 integrated amp aren't the type to abuse them, either. You can save 50-60% off retail per typical blue book resale values. Check www.audiogon.com first. Everyone there has feedback ratings so you can have a confidence level in the seller. Since buying used (or demo) expands your budget to the $1000-1500 price point, here's more recommendations: 1. audio analogue puccini (softer, 'tubelike' sound 2. densen b100 (neutral, faster sound, good value, great build quality, used to own one before upgrading to separates) 3. creek 5350 (everyone seems positive about it) 4. LFD mistral (similar sound to puccini, nice looking, well built, a dealer friend is very positive about it) 5. exposure 2010 6. sugden a21a (the legend, great sound but low power / low current capability) 7. primare a10 (like the mistral and puccini) 8. myryad m120 (probably like the densen b100) there's so many good integrated amps at this price point I could go on and on. This price point is paramount to the British, who are really into integrated amps. I'd read reviews to get a general feel for the 'sound' you're looking for, keeping in mind you want as much power as you can get for the money to drive your speakers effectively without sacrificing sound quality. Check out these websites: www.soundstage.com www.hifichoice.com www.thestar.com.my/audio www.tntaudio.com TAKE YOUR TIME. There's no need to rush and make a decision you'll potentially regret. Go and demo some models (preferably head-to-head) using a cd player and speakers similar to yours (or the same if possible). Don't let the dealers pressure you since used is the way to go anyway -- unless they're willing to sell you a demo model at a good price -- ask them since they all have demos and they can easily open up another box and make another demo after selling you their current demo model. You can get a lot for the money if you buy used as far as build quality and sound quality. |
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| I had the pleasure of auditioning the NAD C350 against the LFD Minstrel integrated amp (3 times the price of the NAD). My salesman was really helpful here, we'd listen to one amp, on speakers identical to the ones I had at home, and then the other. I'm no audiophile, so they sounded pretty much the same to me, except for spaciouness and depth of the soundstage, the NAD was better. Power is good, excellent current and the sound and soundstage are great. Remote control could be better. |
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Anonymous | If you are really on a tight budget, you might want to consider sherwood 4100 ($79 at www.etronics.com) It's a receiver actually, but is discreet 100 watts per channel. The best sound for the money. Looks the price though. |
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Hawk8485 | Hey, I went and looked at this Sherwood for my daughter and no matter what etronics may say, it is not a "discrete output" amp! It has all IC outputs and weighs about what you would expect of a $79.00 receiver (next to nothing). IMO, I suggest the Creek or the NAD. Very nice sounding gear that doesn't cost a lot. What speakers you run, however, may determine which one is best. |
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| For about $500, this amp really shines. It's a hybrid (part solid state, part tube). Very warm, analogue-like sound. Highly recommended. I own two of them ! Jolida JD1501RC |
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Joong-In Rhee | If you want to risk on an old item, I like the old marantz. You can find them on the ebay, but be careful when buying used on the net. You can't be sure of their condition. Check the seller's rating on the upper right corner. Go with a powerful model like 2270. Classicaudio.com has info on them - evaluation button on the left buttom. Higher no. like 44xx are better quality. If all goes well, you will have a warm smooth sounding amp, and it's dead quite in the background - black, and from this silence, golden sounds of integrity will spring forth. |
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| When getting systems for kids, try to give them quality. I was surprised that even 7 year olds can distinguish quality sounds from not so. I heard that good music can aid in brain development. You heard of the Mozart effect. Complex baroque music like Vivaldi and Bach also helps. So, try to give them quality mid-fi gears like NAD at least. Hopefully they will come to appreciate complex classical music for life long enjoyment as well as for early intellectual develpment. Listening to slow sections of Mozart also aids in memory recall when doing homework. This should be done in very low levels. It's also pleasant. They will probably love you for giving them quality stuff when they grow up - and quality doesn't have to cost much these days. Denon DM 50 system can be had for $300 on the internet. Sometimes even cheaper refurbished. NAD system with good entry level speaker can be had for less than $1000. NAD c320Bee amp, 521i cd, and say axiom speakers will run you about $850 with cables. Dmcelectronics.com has refurbished NADs if you are looking for discounted NAD. |
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Anonymous | IMO the best integrated dollar for dollar is ANYTHING Rotel. Quality sound, quality finish and soooooooooooooo smooth. Rotel really truly beats many amps costing two to three times as much and has proven to be a reliable source. quality company as well. |
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Anonymous | Either Creek or Cambridge Audio!!! I have the older Creek 414mk II and love it! Cambridge Audio uses Creek componets and they sell for far less than Creek. U can pick up a New Cambridge Audio unit for Under 300.00!!!! Good Luck |
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wubba Unregistered guest | I guess I'll be the first to recommend the Arcam a65+. The key points: sweet sound and powerful beyond it's 40wpc rating. It has wonderful soudstaging and good bass control. The extra points: phono stage, headphone jack, good construction, remote, and the solid state switching is a nice touch. apx. $600usd |
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beatnic Unregistered guest | second the a65+ as well.. just got it and loving it every bits.. sweet treble, rhythmic bass, good soundstage, very musical.. compared side by side with my housemate's 320bee and we both agree that the arcam is way better.. tried a75+ before this but don't like it, i found it to be too smooth. |
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KEith Moister Unregistered guest | NAD C372 or NAD 350 depending on budget and power requirements |
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New member Username: DanmanPost Number: 10 Registered: Apr-04 | I guess the best response is to listen to all of them and choose. I am partial to NAD because that is what I like but if I had the major bucks to spend, it would be KRELL for me. I tried all the ones you mentioned and all are very good except the only negaative was the Cambridge models I tried kept going in to safe mode using JMLab Chorus speakers at the dealer even after changing for a second amp! I was a little dissappointed there and did not even contemplate buying one after that. He was also embarrassed a little and said he would return them. The sound was good when it was working however. |
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New member Username: Walt_hTustin, CA USA Post Number: 9 Registered: Jun-04 | Danman. Should I look at the new Krell 400xi? |
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Bronze Member Username: DanmanPost Number: 14 Registered: Apr-04 | Well............to answer your question YES BY ALL MEANS! However, be prepared to pay 2 or 3 times the price! I tried this amp because my dealer is a good friend and he let me have it for a week-end........WOW! This thing can really make good music. Not that it is miles ahead of NAD but it is much more dynamic and very powerfulfor such a small box! I liked the sound that came out of my AXIOMS a little more. It is in a different price range therefore, expect more. Go try it. |