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
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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