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Budget hi-fi and vintage audio gear

I’m in the process of putting together a budget hi-fi system and I am curious for any advice fellow Arsians could provide. I would like a system that is purely stereo and produces high SQ rather than high SPL. As it stands now, my computer would be the main audio source (MP3, APE, CD) using my TBSC- however I want to eventually add higher quality separates like a CD player, etc. This system will be used in a bedroom/computer room (small apartment) and I’m pretty set on picking up a pair of Axiom Audio’s M2ti speakers. What I’m looking for is a good quality integrated amplifier (not a receiver, I don’t need radio) that is budget priced (~$250 at most). I’ve done some searching around and it seems vintage equipment could yield the best results for my needs. What sort of vintage equipment would you recommend for my needs? I’ve seen the NAD 3020 or 70’s Marantz equipment come highly recommended  https://waveadvice.com/integrated-amplifiers/ ; does anyone have any experience with this equipment? What are some precautions to take regarding the purchasing of 20+ year old audio equipment? What are common problems old integrated amplifiers run into? Any information and suggestions are highly appreciated! Thanks!
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chrshanl37
835 posts
 
Vintage amps can be a great way to get in to audio however keep in mind that often times they will need to be serviced and have the electrolytic caps replaced. So what may seem like a great budget solution can in some cases end ip costing you more down the road.

With your budget on a desktop I would look at a Nobsound passive preamp and a used amp from adcom, nad, rotel etc. 

There are some modern integrated amps you might find in your budget used such as the Nad 3020d, pioneer a20 and probably quite a few others.

Good luck and enjoy your new system!
captbeaver's avatar
captbeaver
167 posts
 
http://www.doukaudio.com/2018-nobsound-tesla-jjecc83-valve-amp-vacuum-tube-preamplifier-stereo-hifi-...

I have this and with a tube change... it is a VERY good pre. I use it with a small Mcintosh amp and it is great. Contact me if u want, I can talk about tube etc. U can find it cheaper on Aliexpress... at least I did. Round 150...

Also I bought a used SX series Pioneer with great results. A marantz would do you right.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
People will recommend all kinds of things but the best recommendation of all is to only buy what you have auditioned in your system. The tighter the budget the more important this becomes. 

The next best recommendation is to allocate significant funds to things like cones, interconnects, and power cords. Properly done you should have a good 20-30% in these. Home audition these as well.

Home audition is a PITA for sure. 30% I'm sure seems high. Its not. Just remember the goal is the sound not the money. You allocate say $600 for everything, that's $200 for a power cord, interconnect, and cones. Cones are easy, nothing beats BDR Cones. That's $60, leaves $70 each for power cord and interconnect. You put as much effort into finding the best of those as into the best speaker and amp. I've done this. It works.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Or consider some powered monitors. 
what has already been said about old gear needing servicing is true and will be costly(I had a Carver amp i let sit in the closet for 2 years, and the caps dried out and it cost me $450 to fix the left channel and I sold it fixed for $450 ugh). NAD equipment doesn't last very long so I would skip that as vintage gear.   honestly, if computer is your source get PS Audio Sprout 100 and use USB Dac connection, and save yourself the cost of extra cables.  wait a little longer and save up the money.
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