What are the best entry level integrated amps and speakers?
Another idea would be a set of active speakers like the Airpulse Model 1’s by Phil Jones ($999) which would give you enough left over for a decent set of stands or the previously recommended Kef ls-50 wireless speakers but you would have to get very lucky to find a used pair within your budget. I also like the Vincent recommendation, I have owned the SV 237 and it was a solid performer. |
I would recommend demoing as much equipment as possible. This may require establishing a good relationship with one or more audio shops in the area or dealing with equipment ordered online with a trial period. I will +1 the Rega recommendation, especially if she wants to get into vinyl down the road. Rega is quite well represented here in the states. |
Some lightly used KEF LS50s or Paradigm Monitors (like PSB, Canadian sound) coupled with a decent integrated amp/DAC combo like a used Peachtree or NAD would be a little over $1500, but all of those components (esp. KEFs and Peachtree) are very "cool" and artistic looking - and small enough to blend in, which is something that a woman might appreciate. Plus the sound would be very unlikely to offend any listener or do a disservice to any particular musical style. The Class D amp would run cool, and be capable of powering even the most difficult loads for when your daughter decides to go with electrostatic speakers ;-) For example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Peachtree-Audio-nova150-Integrated-Amplifier-with-DAC-B-Stock/222908273509?hash=item33e65e5365:g:~doAAOSwZrhahJF4 https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Piano-Black-KEF-LS50-Speakers-Flagship-Music-Sound-Stereo-Audio-SP3787BA... Or: https://www.ebay.com/itm/REFURBISHED-NAD-C368-INTEGRATED-AMP-C-368-WARRANTY/273054089189?hash=item3f... (Class D Hypex internals with NAD "house" sound and excellent build quality and a very respectable phono input stage). Also a cheaper approach would be active speakers with a built in DAC such as the Vanatoo Transparent One (I’m guessing the Zeros wouldn’t be big enough). If you’re feeling really crazy, go with Devialet. I hear they’re worth every penny and they’re scalable (you can add a second one for a crazy good sounding stereo system): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Devialet-Silver-Phantom/192506840966?epid=529767853&hash=item2cd24d4786... |
