Integrated amps, need some help

Nuthin' wrong with NAD stuff, terrific value. If you'd like a tuning section as well, the NAD7100 Reference receiver (my first pick) or the NAD7250PE would be great choices. The 7100 would likely sell for around $250, the 7250PE around $175. If you don't need a tuner section, why not pick up the original classic in quality audio, a NAD3020 integrated for around $150? You may want to keep an eye open on Ebay and Audiogon as this gear does pop up frequently.

p.s. if you're looking for speakers to mate with his gear, look into B&W DM302 ($150 used) or B&W DM303 ($200 used)

The Cambridge Audio integrated to get used is the A3i. It was designed top to bottom by Michael Creek. Much better than the A500 and better parts (High current R-Core transformer, Sanken transitors, MosFet devices). Has a MM phono stage also. Was a HiFiChoice Best Buy for years. See the reviews at audioreview.com. The A3i is the only way to get a recent Creek for under $300. It is a very conservative 50 watts at 8 ohms (70 watts at 6 ohms). One was tested out at over 70 watts/8 ohms at the rated distortion.

The NADs are also very nice, and are a good choice (C340, C350). I have owned both (prefer the A3i). You could also consider the Rotel RA-970, RA-971, or RA-972. It all comes down to personal taste.

I'm not sure how set you are on integrated, but you could pick up a rotel pre amp for less than 200 bucks used and then a little 50 wpc solid state amp that is 8 or 10 years old. It'd be fun to play with and leave you with plenty of room to upgrade in the future.

...surf arround Cambridge integrated amps throughout www.audioadvisor.com.
they have an unbeatable prices for new mid-fi equipment.

Well, there's no accounting for taste. I auditioned the NAD C370 against the Cambridge A500 about a year ago, and preferred the Cambridge. I found the NAD unbearably mushy and imprecise. "Romantic" is the nicer way to put it. I agree that the Cambridge is bright, but given the choice I would go the "analytical" (Cambridge) route (in the end, I chose neither, and upped my budget). I like the Rotel better than either, but I think they're a little out of your budget.

I think the moral of the story is that if at all humanly possible, you should listen before you buy. People have different taste, and at this price point the "personality" of the different pieces is pronounced (the NAD and the Cambridge represent almost opposite philosophies, in my view).

If there is a store near you that sells used equipment, patronize them. I agree that a good 10-year old piece is going to sound better than something new at the same price (this logic is more true of amps and tuners than, say, CD players). Again, listen before you buy. Half the fun is trying stuff out. It may be heresy here, but I would avoid starting out in hi-fi via mail order.

- Eric