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Best used amp for around 500

I'm am desperately trying to upgrade from a Denon AVR-3300 receiver. Looking for a stereo amp for the fronts. I'm entertaining the idea of a five channel amp, but I don't yet have DVD-Audio or SACD, and money is an issue. The receiver is fine for movies, but for music...well, it won't do. I'm currently running Acoustic Energy Aegis 3's for the fronts - silk dome tweets, pretty warm, laid back sound. Any suggestions?
dklap
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
In no particular order there are: A Conrad Johnson Sonographe SA150 or SA250, or even better for a little more is the CJ MF2100. All are about 125 watts at 8 Ohms.

Next there is the older version Bryston 3B and 4B amplifiers, still under warranty (20 years transferable) Check the age with Bryston before you buy (ask seller for the serial number). They've made these for many years. I think the newer ones are 3B-NRB, etc. Not quite sonically up to the ST amps, but very very good for $500.

Also look at Acurus A150 and A250. Acurus does make some multichannel amps as well.

yu11375
137 posts
 
I will suggest Counterpoint SA-100, used $400-$550. If you like it and have extra funding you can always upgrade it by the original designer Mike Elliott, former Counterpoint CEO, at Alta Vista Audio (www.altavistaaudio.com).

FYI, I am not affiliated with Alta Vista Audio at all.

Happy Listening.

Regards,

Otto
ohlala
1,235 posts
 
I would just like to mention the Classe 70. It is warm, musical, very reliable & has a good amount of headroom, but I can't say that it is laid back. I've seen them running around for about $400.
wywhcan
39 posts
 
Look for a Citation 5.1 - these go for about $500-$600.
It is a bridgeable four channel amp. Excellent build quality, and sounds amazing when bridged. The bigger Citation 7.1 goes for $900-$1000, which is a great value too. Try jeffssoundvalues.com. They may still have some of the these amps available.
bday0000
266 posts
 
Check out a used BK amp. It's a great line to start with and you can find them well under $500.
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