2. amps-preamps
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please help a rookie

I planning to get my very first audio system and it looks pretty confusing.I tried to do some homework, bought stereophile and hanged on various net forums to get more info. I'll have to spend 1-1.5k on a solid amp, maybe a little less on a cd player and about the same for speakers. I listen to opera, jazz and pop, my room is 20X15, hardwood floors. I am looking at arcam A85, musical fidelity a3, rotel 1080, but any suggestions for best bang for my buck, new or used will be very wellcomed. Btw, I like the sweet sound of B&W...thanks.
dandreescu
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
$1000 to $1500 for a integrated amp that will go well with B&W speakers. For brand new you should check out the Creek 5350SE.


For used the YBA Integre DT


Since you read Stereophile; both of these are Class A. The Creek has more power. Both have optional phono you can add.

sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
In the $1.5k price bracket for a used amp, you should definitely put the Bryston 4B-ST (used) on your list. It provides close to 300 wpc of very clean power, and is included on Stereophile mag's "Class B" recommended components list. If you can use less power, then the Bryston 3B-ST (about 150 wpc actual power) is also a terrific amp that can be bought used for about $1k. Either amp would give you an excellent beginning point for a modestly priced, high-end system.
bomarc
501 posts
 
First, buy a rug. That hardwood floor will be hell on anything you play. Remember the basic rule that 3 things matter most: speakers, room, and source material--not necessarily in that order. You'd be better off spending a little less on your amp and CD player and getting yourself a good thick carpet.
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