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Suggestions for a budget amp

Well, im thinking about upgrading my system (just started out and am still in high school so my budget is a major constraint). Basically im trying to build a sterio system that will last me until im out of college and have a "real" job. My current system includes NHT-SB3 speakers, Onkyo TX-8211 sterio reciever a sony CDP-CE275 cd changer, Furmann Q-2312 EQ, and blue-jeans cabling. Its my opinion that the Onkyo is what holds the system back the most at this point so im looking to replace it and fight the upgrade bug until i can afford it. I've looked at the Rotell RA-02 and the Nad C320Bee (the Nad is my favorite so far) but need more ideas (there HAVE to be more budget amps out there, right?). I also shopped around Yamaha's and Onkyo's sites, but their higher end stuff just adds more features, not much by the way of sound quality (from what i could tell by specs... may be wrong). Im looking for something that i can upgrade in stages down the line (i.e. unplugging the power amp section of a preamp and using a beefier seperate, or bi-amping... something like that). I dont need much power since ill be in dorm rooms or crowded appartments for the near future and even in my fair sized room now i rarely turn my 40 wpc Onkyo above 9:00 and its never been over 12:00. I listen to everything from Mozart to Metallica, except rap and pop. Even put in some country every now and then (I think its a law here in Texas ;-)
Thanks for your help,
-Dan-
dk89
dk89 OP
6 posts
 
In response to Jond's question about my budget... i'd like to stay below $400 maybe up to $500, but as my total investment so far is only $900 (ish) i dont want to spend a whole lot.
mcfarland
356 posts
 
Steuspeed has the right idea. Quality of watts certainly beats quantity. Also, in a college dorm you may have restrictions on how loud you can play and when you can play your equipment, so as to avoid disturbing fellow classmates. With that thought in mind you just might want to consider having at least one headphone jack and a good set of headphones.
txp1
148 posts
 
I agree with Bignerd100 that you should be very careful with volume so the Onkyo doesn't clip badly and fry your speakers.

However, I think you should keep what you have and save your money for activities in college. College is about learning, experiencing things, meeting people and having a good time! But keep up those grades too! Audio equipment can come later. Besides, you could get a good amp and your speakers could still get damaged in a party, or the amp could get stolen, etc, etc.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
the NAD will do just fine...and its cheap! And it sounds live a much more powerful amp than the specs would indicate...
newmanoc
295 posts
 
The Nad C320Bee is a great integrated for the price, but you should consider an Arcam A65 as well. One of these runs $600 new and around $350 used. It is much nicer sounding than the NAD in my opinion. While only 40 watts, it is a very big 40 watts - with great current and stable into lower ohm loads. At one time I had one driving my JM Labs Electra 926's in a 450 square foot room that had a 16 foot peak in the ceiling, and that opened into a large foyer. I NEVER turned the knob passed 11 o'clock, and I am not that shy about volume.
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