There really hasn’t been any major advancements in technology in the past 50 years that would make me think that whatever integrated you choose will become obsolete. You could hook up a vintage tube integrated to a streaming dac and be right up to date with modern systems. It’s really only the digital front end parts that are changing. A well built integrated can also last indefinitely with minimal service. It’s well worth either stretching your budget, or do what many of us here do and buy/sell/trade equipment as we go. It’s part of the fun. For that reason I’d recommend looking in the used market. Read reviews and check out brands like Arcam, Creek, Cyrus, Linn, Nad, Naim, Musical Fidelity, Quad, Rega, Roksan etc, all should be easy to find 2nd hand locally. Skip the Denon. It’s a good starter brand (the second amp I bought was a Denon) but many of those others I mentioned previously will get you closer to that high end sound.
Better Integrated Amp?
Hi, I'm looking at my first set up and have been advised by people on this website to get an integrated amp (including phono stage). I'm looking at the Quad Vena 2 which I would have to get second hand due to cost, and the Denon PMA-800NE which I could buy new whilst still being the cheaper option. I'm open to other suggestions to just wanted to get your thoughts on which amp I should go for or if I should look at some others too.
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Look closer at that Rega Io. Smaller form factor. Newer discrete AB topology. Award winning SQ. Lifetime warranty. A perfect start and you will probably have it forever in secondary systems. I still use my starter integrated from 1970. Just head towards reasonably flat impedance 8 ohm speakers as Rega states it runs hot (°) into 4 ohms. Unless you LIKE electric heat. I would pick it up for $430 new. But that’s just me. |
A lot of you seem to agree that the Rega Io is a really good option so I'm having a look into that now. Its power output seems much lower than others at 30W at 8ohms, I'm guessing this isnt an issue given how popular it seems to be, its a similar price to the others so that is good. It seems to have a few less features then the denon but im assuming you sacrifice that for sound quality and performance which is more important. If I were to go with the Rega anyone got any good speaker recommendations? I would like to go to some shops and listen but with Covid I dont think thats happening anytime soon. |
For speakers to match with the Rega, you might want to look at something like the Triangle BR03. It has 90db sensitivity and a 8 ohm nominal impedance. Should be pretty easy to drive and it has received great reviews as a budget friendly bookshelf size 2 way speaker. I do not own the BR03 and have not heard it. But I did previously own the Triangle Titus speaker which had similar specs. I enjoyed then quite a bit. |
Audiogon has a couple of NAD amps in this price range I'd recommend. This on in particular: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa5fhb-nad-c-328-hybrid-digital-dac-integrated-amplifier-solid-s... The unusual hybrid Class D amplifier does not get enough credit and sounds far better to my ears than a lot of others. If you can swing $800 I'd also recommend a listed Arcam. Best, Erik |
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