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50 WPCish Integrated/Receiver for Apartment

Any suggestions for a really good 2 channel receiver or integrated amp for running a pair of Klipsch Quartets in an apartment? Something with a phono input is preferable. Looking to spend less than $500 and have looked at the Yamaha RX-397 receiver. Has anyone spent any time with this unit and/or have an opinion on it? Listening to a wide variety of music, 60s and 70s rock being in the slight majority.
lg1
face
516 posts
 
Check out Cambridge's 540A/640A.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
05-29-09: Sfar
The Onkyo A-9555 should be a good choice. The link is to a Stereophile review. I've owned one and was very impressed by the sound and the build quality, though I didn't try the phono stage. List price is $800 but they're generally available around your $500 limit.
I've been listening to one for 10 months, and the phono stage is also quite excellent for high output cartridges. How good? I threw my Cambridge 640P over for the Onkyo's built-in phono stage, it's clearly that much better. The Onkyo has more subtlety, more micro-dynamics. It's really quite something for an integrated that does so many things so well, and is available for a little under $500.
smrex13
645 posts
 
I'd recommend the Music Hall 15.3a.  It's $549 new, and it's a very nice integrated amp.  I preferred it to anything I've tried under $1000.    
mesch
3,476 posts
 
Hey smrex13, Yes the Music hall is a nice option at this price level. That said, a while back avery nice gentlemen and fellow AGer sold me a Yamaha A-s701 for a exceptionally fair price. Am totally happy with that amplifier driving my B&W685s in my 2ndary (outside) system. Thanks again, happy holidays!
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
get a used naim, nait 5i or such... around $500... excellent performer for the $
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