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
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
1,646 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
1,617 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.
donvito101
278 posts
 
"Just checked the manuals of a couple of Integrated’s. Looks like Onkyo amps need at least an 8 ohm speaker for bi wiring. But Marantz says a 4 ohm or higher will work. Same with Yamaha. That is good news."


I don’t understand why bi-wiring would cause a problem with any amp? Please explain!

will62 OP
177 posts
 
donvito.  All I am going by is what I read on the Onkyo website manuals. I don't have enough of a technical background of the circuits and design of the units to comment.  I have friends that are Broadcast Engineers and others that have a background in the technical side of electronics, and I bet if they saw the schematic of the units they could explain why.  
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