2. amps-preamps
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low cost integrated amp for newbie

I'd like some advice on a low-cost integrated amp for a starter system. Under $300 would be my preference. Used is fine. I wouldn't call myself an audiophile (yet?) but I appreciate good design & quality sound. So far the only audiophile piece I've got is a NAD 4300 tuner, purchased at the advice of a co-worker who was determined to woo me into the realm of high-quality audio gear.

I was running the tuner through my old Sansui RZ-5000 receiver which is gradually losing its functionality (thus the tuner purchase in the first place). It was limping along until my most recent move. Now it cannot transmit to either left speaker channel, so I'm on a mono system at the moment. The receiver has always been a nuisance to use, even when it worked properly. The design and quality of NAD feels like a breath of fresh air after dealing with such cumbersome equipment. I want more like it.

I listen to lots of talk radio, folk, blues, and electronica. Sometimes from the internet, usually the airwaves. Of course I play CDs too, but maybe only 1/4 of the time. I seldom play anything terribly loud as I have a small house with oak floors. I'd rather have speakers in every room than blast the volume from one spot.

My current speakers are JBL ("JBL82," they say on the inside plate), circa mid-1980s. I have no idea how they compare to anything else quality-wise, I inherited them from a friend. They sound okay. Not amazing, not bad, but okay. Eventually they'll probably go, too.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, or feel free to point me to existing threads.
ann
celtic66
1,668 posts
 
I've already seen the NAD C320BEE used for $300 on Audiogon. This is a no-brainer. Simple, easy to find and cheap. If you upgrade later will be easy to sell. Go man!!
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
Although I don't have a specific recommendation (no recent experience with the catagory), I completely agree with your plan of action: You need an integrated right now - you already have a better tuner on hand, and your speakers can wait 'til the next step since they are functioning as intended. It is simply not true that you will not be able to hear differences - even at your price point and with your old speakers - between various receivers or more audiophile-oriented integrated amps. Low-priced gear exhibits just as wide a range of sonic variation as does high-priced gear, maybe even more, though it is of course generally more flawed overall; the only impediment to hearing this fully will be your less-revealing wires and speakers, but they won't render the differences meaningless by any stretch. When I was in the audio retail business, many inexperienced listeners could easily pick up on differences between lower-end amplification options even when powering modest-but-decent small speakers - often to their great surprise (they just hadn't ever really listened before - hadn't thought they could or needed to). Welcome to the site (and to the hobby?), I hope you enjoy whatever you get out of it, including your new amp.
quadophile's avatar
quadophile
418 posts
 
I have hear the Audio Analogue Puccini SE as well as the NAD C-370, I feel the Puccini has the edge over the NAD even though the difference in power is there. If I was considering one I would have no hesitation going for the Puccini SE. Puccini is much more musical and staisfying.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
You have a very nice tuner indeed. I'm a little surprised the 4300 is not remote-controllable. (I owned the Nad 1700 pre-amp/tuner a few years back and it had a wonderful and simple to operate remote.) Check out this web-site; www.ccrane.com They have an FM Antenna called the "Reflex" which is a great! I believe it's under $25 (shipped) and comes w/30 money-back guarantee. I own two of them and they are the best in-door antenna I've ever used. If you decide on an new Nad int. amp, may I recommend you check out this dealer. www.kiefsav.com I've dealt w/them for many years and their prices and service has been exceptional. They may even have something used. Hope this helps. Bill
fishinfool
32 posts
 
Great suggestions above (except for receivers over integrated amps and the reliability of Sony gear), but let me add one comment:

If you buy an integrated amp first, then you must match your future speakers to the specifications of the amp you have already chosen (unless you want to purchase another amplifier). This could severely limit your future speaker choices.

Each speaker presents different loads for your amplifier. The most common speaker problems are low efficiency, low characteristic impedance (<4 ohm), and difficult load characteristics (such as the capacitive load of electrostatic speakers). Some speakers need very high current, high power amplifiers; some requirement amplifiers that can operate into very low impedances without becoming unstable, some require amplifiers that like capacitive loads (such as tube amps), etc. Will your future speakers be a good match for your chosen amplifier? If it's a high efficiency, 8-ohm impedance, and resistive load, then you will probably be ok otherwise, you may need a different amp.

For me, its easier to find a speaker I love and then get the best amp I can afford to drive it, rather than have my speaker choice dictated by my amplifier. Just some food for thought!
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