3rd, the Yamaha A-S501 85 WPC + it's 4 ohm compatible which let's it be
used with a wider variety of speakers.
used with a wider variety of speakers.
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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- 74 posts total
The marantz pm5005 is an excellent all analog affordable integrated amplifier. Way better than the Denon. $499 I believe is the going price, although you may if lucky get it on sale. It is a very well made and thought out amp. No built in dac, no digital anything and it sounds wonderful. Here is a great review of it and the matching cd5005 cd player, which I also recommend very highly. I’ve owned both, but then graduated to a higher tier. Pair these with the wharfedale diamond 220’s and I think you will be very happy. Link posted for the diamond 220’s as well below. Alternatively, the Dali Zensor 1 would match up well. You will have a killer starter system guaranteed! All this for a tic over a grand! What wonderful times to be into hifi.... https://www.audioholics.com/amplifier-reviews/marantz-5005-series-integrated-amp-cd-player https://www.whathifi.com/us/wharfedale/diamond-220/review https://www.whathifi.com/us/dali/zensor-1/review |
Rega Brio R is a solid integrated with a fine phono stage for a start. I call that amp “the gateway drug”. Hahaha. They can be had for reasonable price now used. I’ve heard that little amp drive harbeths, quad z2’s, Wharfdales, etc etc just fine. It’s a very pleasant sounding amp. I ran it with a grado black cartridge with 8MZ stylus with some wharfdale diamond 225’s (my first set up) and it was a very nice combination for the money at that time. Same set up now could be had for 450$ total maybe? Not sure about used UK market. Might be better for those brands actually. Good luck. |
Jbmack75, my Hegel's display is dimmable. Fast or slow push on the remote only moves 1 decibel. The remote is made of metal and is the type you don't have aim at the amp. At 66 this is my fourth amp, previous ones were in the 1 to 2 thousand range. Due to a great divorce outcome I bought myself the Hegel for $6000. I absolutely love it. (Bryston A2 speakers) |
- 74 posts total