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
helomech
1,730 posts
 
@will62 

I can't speak for older Yamaha units. I have the A-S500 (501 sans the DAC) and would characterize it as mostly neutral with a sweet top end. It will be mellow with mellow speakers and bright with bright speakers. I've used it with Klipsch Heresy IIIs, Vandersteen 1Cis, Spendor 2/3s, Monitor Audio Silver 8s, Epos Epics, and Stirling LS3/6s ($5500 speakers) just to name a few, and it played well with all of them. It never once got hot. I currently use it to drive a pair of KEF LS50s in a bedroom system. It was surprisingly smooth with the Heresy IIIs, but those are are nothing like the ones of old. Honestly, any SS amp that's warmer than the Yamahas will likely be veiled. There's always a trade off and that's the price for the mellow sound of something like the lower end NADs. I've had a Parasound Halo Integrated in house that was more fatiguing than the Yammy. The Yamahas do take time to break in - about 50 hours before they sound best. 

Here's a review and measurents of the A-S500, which is the same amp, just without the built-in DAC.

http://i.nextmedia.com.au/avhub/australian-hifi_reviews_2014_2014-02_yamaha_as500_amplifier_review_and_test_lores.pdf


lak's avatar
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lak
4,682 posts
 
If it were me I'd pick up an old Marantz Reciever from the 1970's that's in good condition. I love that sound and they were well made!
The Receiver modle would depend on the needs of the speakers.
tomcarr
1,543 posts
 
+1 for an NAD receiver. I'm still using a 40 YO one in a fourth system. 
Paid $50.00 on ebay. Had it 10 years now. Still going strong. Powered up 24/7. I'm not sure if my Krell will last that long...
2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,649 posts
 
I have a friend who bought a RR 2160 receiver by Outlaw. He still has it and states it has been the best audio purchase he has made. Plenty of power, phono section and usb for Itunes or whatever HDD. I do not know if you can connect two sets of speakers or not?? Worth checking out but it really costs more than $400, more like $750 or $800. Check Music Direct online.
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knownothing
1,620 posts
 
For your applications - you need a robust power supply that can handle essentially any impedance - preferably a toroidal supply.  For that kind of money your best bet is a Cambridge Audio or especially NAD that are relatively good at handling variable impedance's at a reasonable price point.  Several small NAD/Cambridge integrated amps for sale on Agon now.  Another option is a much older former top of the line AVR receiver from Denon, Marantz, Sony, Yamaha, or even Arcam if you can find one.  These were flagship products for these companies and because of the relatively high volume of production - they could pack a ton of technology and value in one box.  Most have a direct sound or processing defeat setting that shuts off all digital electronics and provides relatively quiet operation with tons of power reserve.  Trade off is these may crap out at any point.  I would NOT buy a low to mid level AVR as they way over report their power delivery and often do not perform well with low impedance loads.
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