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What are the best entry level integrated amps and speakers?

My daughter just got a new place and wants to upgrade her Best Buy based stereo system.  She is only interested in two channel stereo (good for her).  I told her if you're willing to get used equipment of high quality you'll get a better system like I did (Krell, Ayre, Revel).  We are looking for an integrated amp and speakers.  The amp should put out 75-100 watts.  She has enough room for floor standing speakers or something smaller.  So far I have researched NAD and Outlaw for amps and PSB for speakers.  What would you recommend?  I think the budget will be $1,000-1,500.

 Thanks for your input.

128x128pipebro
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astewart8944
499 posts
 
+4 NAD/PSB setup. If you can get a used NAD375BEE with used PSB Imagine T speakers (that might cost a wee bit more than $1500 but not much more), your daughter will be in high cotton. Floor standers that match well with the 375. My sons use this setup in their room. I confess that I go up there and listen when they are spinning the vinyl because it sounds pretty darn good.
ron1319
57 posts
 
So much of it is personal preference.  My bedroom system is a pair of B&W CDM2 Signatures I got on eBay for $350 and an old Arcam integrated amp I have had for 10 years or so.  I threw on some bulk Transparent Audio Labs wire I got a long time ago.  I guess they sold it for rear channels?  For $500 total system value, it sounds awesome.
rwisem
21 posts
 
Emotiva BasX preamp and Amplifier.  150wpc both for $600.  No bass management, but leaves enough to get very good speakers that don't need a sub.
marktomaras
544 posts
 
Elac is getting so much press for being top performing gear, you must pay that some credence. Perhaps 50% of your budget goes to the speakers.
Right now on audiogon there is a steal on a classe integrated amplifier with a small defect. Original price $2000+, selling for six and change.

There is also an amplifier available now on Audiogon from Peachtree. It is their nova integrated with built-in DAC. I had a peach tree deco for a while, and it was great. The nova is even better! It is selling for 600 something.

add a pair of entry level kimber Or audioquest speaker cables for $150 and you have a fantastic system for $1500!
soix
9,735 posts
 
There’s a Rega Brio R here for $500 and a nice pair of slim tower Silverline Preludes at US Audio Mart for $850 (although you might be able to get this down a bit). The Brio puts out a strong 50W, and the Preludes are a pretty easy load so they should pair well. This still leaves $150 for some decent cables/interconnects. Excellent all-around performance and attractive with a small footprint, which I’d think a girl especially would appreciate. She’ll love it.  Heck, I'd love it!  Best of luck.

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