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First Post Looking for Integrated Amplifier

Hello Forum!

My name is Justin and I am a newcomer to the forum (recommended by a friend). I'm looking for help on choosing an amp,integrated amp, or receiver. Currently, I have an older receiver that works great for TV, DVD and video games but lacks when I play my albums through it (there is not phono input). I have a preamp which helps but I still have to turn the volume up to about 90%. I would say that my primary focus is to get a receiver or amplifier that is more well rounded - especially for my vinyl.

I'm budgeting about $300 and something middle-of-the-road. If that budget is a bit low I would love some insight.

For speakers, I have two Sony SSF-5000s (150-watt, 8 ohms). I have to admit that I'm not too sure on what the impedance is.

Any help, recommendation, knowledge is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
jharris89
doug99
288 posts
 
Jharris, someone who owns the NAD320BEE integrated amp did a review on it 10 years ago.
http://www.audioasylum.com/reviews/Integrated-Amplifier-SS/NAD/320BEE/amp/48695.html
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
Some int. amps have a dedicated subwoofer rca out. I believe on the Nad 326Bee it's a single out which would connect into your subwoofer. Some subwoofer's like my def. Tech has dual (R/L) rca inputs. So, it's perfect for my 302 which now has an RCA out which can be made via either y cables or splitters or my way. ( I internally connected the pre-amp outs w/the pre-amp ins with cooper wire which I soldered.) Check out this thread on head-fi.org titled " best type rca splitter to use." The monster one looks good and you could use the jumpers which come w/the int. amp. and have an additional set of RCA outs which would go to your sub if it has R/Left inputs. The Nad C320 BEE has pre-amp out to pre-amp ins. You can see the jumpers on the back of the unit. (PLEASE note I called Nad before I did what I did w/my 302 and NAD said it was fine to do. NOW I can't see why it won't be fine to do w/the C320 as well. But you may want to check w/NAD.) Hope this helps. P.S. Oh, another way to do this is by running spk. wires from int. amp to subwoofer and then running back the spk. wires from the sub to your speakers. Lots of wire. The RCA method is simplier and neater. I bought a 10' pair of Mogami RCA interconnects for my needs. $30.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
NAD 320BEE, seems well reviewed but found this in a 2006 review...

"While seven inputs seems generous, it excludes one for a turntable."
So you will need a phono stage preamp. Need to consider this when buying a NAD. IMO, still worth it.

http://nadelectronics.com/articles/Hi-Fi-Product-of-the-Year
jharris89 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks Lowrider, I did see right away that it did not have a set of phono inputs, but the used/cheap cost seems worth it since I do have a preamp already (if you read through you'll see that my current receiver is just old and junky). I figured for a name like NAD and the power increase from a receiver to int. amp i'd be extremely happy with the $180 spent.

Thoughts?
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Agree, Jharris89, it's a good deal.
The only concern buying a used amp is the condition of the capacitors, IOW are they leaking or are they dried out. If the seller is local, maybe you can have him take off the top of the unit and see. Otherwise, ask how much use it has had; as long as it wasn't abused, the electronics inside should be fine.
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