Best used amp for around 500

I'll second David99 on the Dynaco ST-70.

Nothing touches it (even close) at the price and then some. Helps to have a little tube know-how but there are great dynaco web sites for help if you need it. A true entry level hi-fi unit. It will let you know how far the industry hasn't come in 40 years. Short on hype and gloss, long on sound. Get series I if you like warm and II if you like faster more SS sound.

Sincerely, I remain

Add on to above post. Sorry. You will need a pre with the Dynaco (I suggest Bottlehead Foreplay kit) and if you are fussy at all about music for pete sake go with a two channel!!!!!! Forget 5 channels on that budget if you like music.
I run an old ST70 with a PAS3 pre-amp (cheap dynaco) in my basement and it blows the pants off 85% of the systems at the local high-end joint.

I remain

Clueless, i've got a modified PAS 3 running a Marantz 8 in my basement system. Out of curiosity, what speakers are you running ?

To keep things on track here, you guys know that i would HIGHLY second the little Forte' amps. They are quite load sensitive though as we've come to find out, so might not be good in all situations. If you can find a complimentary set of speakers and cables, personally, i think that they are untouchable for the money. The suggestion about the Classe' 70 might be good if Dklap wants something to brighten and liven up the sound of their "pretty warm, laid back" Aegis 3's. Sean
>

Sean. A classic combo you've got in your basement if I do say so myself.

I run speakers I made myself. Based on Northcreek Rhythm Revelator basically (Northcreek.com).
Both of mine are moded too - really just replacing stuff though. Mine is very musical and I am sure yours is too. It is always good to listen to it because it brings me back down to earth. I don't think I have $1100 in the system, not including the source, which changes fairly often, and it does hold it's own.

Go for the classic tubes Dklap. Years from now it will be your second system because you will not be able to part with it. Good education too! (little more work now though)

Sincerely, I remain

Thanks for filling me in Clueless. Glad to see that you're not afraid to get your hands dirty too : )

While i sometimes hook up different speakers there, i am usually using a set of modded La Scala's or Heresy's. I currently have the Heresy's GUTTED and am not quite sure what i'm going to do with them. Thinking about building a completely different cabinet and augmenting the bass in some manner. Another project on my list to do this year.

As to the main thread here, do you plan to use the preamp section of the receiver to drive the power amp or go directly into the power amp via variable output controls on a source ? Sean
>