2. amps-preamps
  3. 134128-2198

Integrated or Receiver?

That is the question.

As my luck would have it, my near 30 year old Denon PMA520 integrated amp is apparently on its way out.  I've already spent $150 to fix one problem only to have one channel all but vanish (can hear some high end audio but it is faint) and the other channel cuts in and out.  Since I had the unit cleaned just a few weeks ago and the noise that had cropped up in deep bass, I would have to believe this is another problem and would require additional servicing at additional cost.

The way I see it, this is throwing good money after bad.  Will probably scrap this thing and will buy something new.

Since my budget is going to be under $400 right now thanks to a slew of other expenses that take priority, I am wondering if I should just settle for a basic entry level amp like the Yamaha 301 or Onkyo 9050 or purchase a Receiver from Yamaha or some other company that is fairly inexpensive and use that for a couple of years until I can buy a better integrated amp when I should have more money to budget for it.

Any thoughts on this?
will62
1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
Dont forget about NAD, they are solid and have won praises for decades with their well-priced but quality products. 
On the used market, a used NAD will even take you bit further in terms of SQ.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Hopefully the amps and receivers are better quality than the CD players. I had a NAD CD player a number of years ago that croaked right after the warranty expired.  

Will at least take a look at them.  Not going the used route again at this time.  Have had a used Yamaha Receiver that I bought last year suddenly develop problems too though at least that still works well enough to use.  Have lost an Input channel on it.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,619 posts
 
Here ya go!
https://www.musicdirect.com/receiver/cambridge-audio-topaz-sr10-stereo-receiver
reubent
6,952 posts
 
Not sure what sources you have. But if you only have one, or zero, analog sources, you could get the Nuforce DDA-120 Integrated amp/DAC for only $225. Check it out:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1NUDDA120


will62 OP
177 posts
 
reubent.  Have a Tuner, CD Player, Cassette player.  That Nuforce won't work for my needs.  Thanks for the suggestion.
More to discover