2. amps-preamps
  3. 1057624381

Getting started, need amp recommendation

I recently tossed out my 15 year old Pioneer speakers and stepped up to a gently used pair of Paradigm Mini Monitors. BIG improvement! Needless to say, these are a bit more revealing of the (lack of) quality of my other components. Next on the chopping block is my old Kenwood receiver. I have been looking into units from NAD, Rotel, and the Acurus DIA-100. In the sub $400 price range, has anyone got a recommendation for a used integrated amp or possibly receiver for a newbie with mini monitors? This is my first foray outside Circuit City-level of components, and I would appreciate some guidance. I like the detailed nature of the Paradigms, but I can imagine that a bright sounding amp could get a little annoying with them. Maybe it's just the contrast with my previous speakers that I hear.
Thanks!
exp_gort
mezmo
516 posts
 
Save yourself! Run, hide under a rock, turn up the TV, do whatever you need to do to avoid setting toe one on this consuming primrose path! (You've been warned...). Otherwise, welcome to the loonie bin.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
A real sleeper...Pioneer elite a35r intergrated with phono...around $150-200 new online...comes with phono...and has a nice warm sound that will work well with the Paradigms...which are a tad bright...also...if you like the minis...check out the studio 20s...a major upgrade for not much more...good luck...also...
exp_gort OP
2 posts
 
Mezmo: that's just how I feel sometimes about this new 'hobby'. :)

I appreciate all the recommendations. There is a dearth of hi-fi gear close to home for me to audition, but I am near enough Ann Arbor and Detroit to have some options. The Cambridge and Creek models are something I hadn't stumbled across on a-gon yet. They look very interesting! As for tubes - hmm - I do intend to spend more time listening than tweaking no matter how much I know about electronics.

I'm going off topic on my own thread, but I noticed another post where someone was upgrading both CD and amp. One response got me to thinking - they said spend more on source, less on the amp. Am I going about this upgrade path in reverse order? My CD player is a circa 1990 Kenwood as well. I planned to replace that later rather than sooner.

Thanks!
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Exp_gort, If you ever want to listen to the Vmps line of speakers, Today's Audio here in Flint has them.
exp_gort OP
2 posts
 
I auditioned an NAD 320BEE ($400 list) and an Arcam DiVA 65 Plus ($600 list). I liked the Arcam quite a bit better so now I am considering a bigger budget. I sure that almost never happens to anyone shopping hi-fi :). Anyway, with a $600 plateau, I see that the Audiolab 8000S, the Audio Refinement Complete, and the Creek 4330MkII (all used) are within reach. Considering I like the detail of the Arcam better than the 'warmth' (for lack of a better term) of the NAD, does anyone have relative suggestions for me comparing the A.R.C., 8000S, and the Creek model? Anyone auditioned any of these side by side? Thanks!
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