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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
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Yes, I am looking at the new Yamaha stuff now.

One problem I am running into is trying to find a amp or receiver that will allow me to Biwire my 6 ohm Mirage OM 10's.  Every amp or receiver I've looked at can't handle the lower impedance except when the OM 10's are not Biwired.  My Castle's are 8 ohm and don't present that problem.  
2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,664 posts
 
I would go integrated. I think you have a tough decision. Many here will go window shopping for you to spend your money. It is difficult to fish out good suggestions from the hype or advertising on a piece of gear or even sugggestions. If I am looking for audio suggestions I tend to listen to others who have owned the equipment they suggest and are not overly enamored. Yamaha is a good choice although I have not owned a receiver by them in many years. Just make sure the amp section has the current and capability to drive your speakers, that is key for good sound, since an underpowered amp will strain with power hungry speakers. Good luck.
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cleeds
6,031 posts
 
will62
One problem I am running into is trying to find a amp or receiver that will allow me to Biwire my 6 ohm Mirage OM 10's.  Every amp or receiver I've looked at can't handle the lower impedance except when the OM 10's are not Biwired.  My Castle's are 8 ohm and don't present that problem. 
Will you please explain why you think biwiring will change the load seen by an amplifier?
will62 OP
177 posts
 
According to the manufacturers, I am reading on the back of amps or receivers that you can't run 6 ohm in biwire mode (morphs into 3 ohm) because it will overload the amp.  Do a close up of the back side of some amps and receivers from Yamaha, Onkyo, Cambridge Audio etc. and look at the speaker connectors.  You will see notes concerning the load that the amp or receiver can handle when using single pairs or biwired.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
I like Yamaha.  Have a 35 year old A 500 right now but given the age I think it is wise to get something new just in case that decides to bite the dust like the near 30 year old Denon.

The new Yamaha or Onkyo may match up well with the Mirage speakers since I've read the newer amps are a bit on the bright side vs. the neutral sounding or flat A500.  The Mirage speakers are quite flat and would reduce the bright sound of the amp or receiver.
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