Integrated amps, need some help

I purchased a demo A500 from Audio Advisor for $339. I liked the build quality better than the NAD that I auditioned. The Cambridge does need run-in time. It is now relaxing and is quite enjoyable for the $$.

The good thing with Audio Advisor is you can return it if its not to your liking. Worth an audition. And, of course, let your ears be your judge.

I would definitely go for a used or demo amp with your budget. I personally have never liked the sound of NAD equipment. I recently listened for about an hour to the NAD CD/amp combo at a dealer when I was buying speakers and it sounded just dreadful to my ears. (I don't agree with the recent TAS review on the same CD/amp.) Another dealer who recently dropped the NAD line said that one of the reasons for his decision was that quality control of the NAD products was not as good as he would have liked. Perhaps what I have heard has been a bad sample. In any case, this all points to the fact that for your budget you will be able to get a better sounding amp with higher build quality and hopefully better sound quality in the used market.

I have an NAD C340 amp which I like, although some of the other posts make it evident that this opinion is not universal. If you cannot afford to spend too much money, but want to get a reasonable-sounding amp and are willing to go for something older, you might try a Dynaco SCA-80 amp from the 1970s if you can find one used for a favorable price. It was a well-made and durable transistor amp with about 40 w/ch RMS, good sound, and clean styling.

AMC integrates are the alternative to NAD. It has the tube sound. AudioAdvisor and Saturday audio sell them.