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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
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
3,530 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!
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
get a used naim, nait 5i or such... around $500... excellent performer for the $
tubegb's avatar
tubegb
205 posts
 
Here are two other integrated options worth consideration; the Heed Elixer w/MM phono input included and the Dayens Menuetto. The Menuetto would require an external phono (Schiit Audio Mani?) preamp. Both options would require patience to purchase previously enjoyed in order to come close to your expenditure target.
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