Neat cheap amp suggestions . Help me have fun.

Old Creek?

Hafler 120 was best made by Hafler, never heard it modded though. It will beat all of the aforemetioned sonically. GAS Grandson by James Bigiorno was his best older amp, then he moved on to SUMO which is strong sounding but a bit harsh. Amber was very sweet with 70 wpc.

I second the Hafler. Great bang for the buck. You might also consider one of the big old amps from Denon, Onkyo, or Kenwood.

Michael

Sonic Impact Super-T ($139 at thinkgeek.com).

I use one in my BR system and think it sounds great.

Amber 70 was indeed sweet in its day! Cheers,
Spencer

by @ $100 and get a PSE Studio IV ... excellent sound and bullet proof design ... you would not be disappointed

Jeff

You can diy yr own gainclone for a few $/channel. Here's one recipe.

Or check out these people.

Cheers

Not sure if you can find a Bedini 25/25, Marty, but that sure was one honey of an amplifier.

Nikko Alpha amps found on E-bay for <$200.

How about this?

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1147741634

Since you are looking to have fun, I suggest you look for an old Harman Kardon 430 or 730 receiver and use the amp portion only by removing the pre out to amp in plug and using the power amps only. These amps are dual mono with separate power supplies. The reviews of these receivers by High Fidelity Magazine showed that these amplifier sections were exemplary and displayed almost perfect square waves on both the high and low frequencies. You will be surprised at how good these amplifiers are. They can compare with very expensive equipment in performance. If you find these in a thrift store or in the flea market, if the fuse is intact, the unit is probably playable. Note also that the amps are individually fused internally. You should be able to find a good conditoned example for $20-$30. This is surprisingly fun. Keep us informed if you go this route. An alternate to this is to look for a built like a tank Harman Kardon Citation XII amp. Even Nelson Pass spoke highly of this amp in one of his early articles. He spoke of its durability due to build quality as well as the sonic performance of this HK-12.

I think Jimjenr is on to something. I've owned a couple of HK amps, both power amps and integrated and thought they were way better than expected. Just be sure the amp is early 90s or older. Well built and well reviewed amps from this era. Good luck and keep us updated.

A really fun one that's also hard to find is the PS Audio Model 1. They can be spotted now and then on ebay for $140 or much less depending on condition. I had one a couple of years ago and regret selling it.

You may also be able to find a good B&P St140 for right around $200.

ART SLA-1. New, $200. On Ebay, less. Smart.

. . . hip waders in the garage . . . there's a visual I can relate to.

how about $15

B&K ST140, Muse model 100, Forte model 4.... a used NAD, Rotel might suit you. $ 200.00 is not much to work with, but some old SS out there is very musical.

Here's cheap'n'neat for ya: How bout a pair of those cute little Marantz MA-500 monoblocks? Not geriatric, and a pair used should only set you back within $50-100 of your target price at most. I have to admit I've never heard them myself, but I've long felt Marantz receivers sound superior to their prime Japanese competition from Sony or Yamaha where price is matched, and this unique model was generally well reviewed by mags and online owner surveys. Best of luck with the fun!

Hi,
This is a very old thread so I'm sure you found something cheap and fun; however, in case anyone is still looking for cheap and really fun, you've got to check out:

http://fleawatt.blogspot.com/

I've currently have a Fleawatt in my bedroom system and have given 2 of them away as presents to my nephews. Their definitely the most fun I've had in audio in a while :)

Wow what a sport!!

The quest continues!!!