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.
oliverben5672

Hi

as I said, I’m an audiophile from PORTUGAL,

I have Yamaha A-S1100 and I have mark Levinson 335 excellent power

I already had Rega, it is to forget, they are worth nothing (Zero)

I have Monitor Audio GS20 GOLD speakers and also JBL Ti6K excelent

Good luck


1000 pounds will surely require upgrades sooner rather than later, but with some luck on used market it could pull pleasant sound for a while.

To readjust a bit, is there anyone on this thread who is located closer to OP and has an amplifier in the storage? Or anything else? OP is trying to start in an expensive hobby with very tight budget. Maybe someone could help him to bridge this period?
You seem set on a TT for your first system.  Is there any reason for this?  Do you have a  collection of records already?  If not you have to add the cost of vinyl into your budget.  Not inexpensive these days unless you like older music and scour the used record stores.  

If you have your heart set on vinyl that's great.  But, you might want to start off with an integrated and decent speakers first for your budget.  Can you use your phone or computer for music?  Do this and then save up for a DAC, phono stage, and TT.  I paid $200 for a used Gram amp 2 phono stage and it sounds pretty darn good with my vintage Dual TT that I spent $150 on (plus another $160 to get it up and running perfectly).  

Actually, check out the Iotavx sa3 which is pretty well regarded and comes with a DAC and phono stage built in.  Then look at Triangle BRO3 or one of the Klipsch or Elac bookshelfs.  For less than 1k you can have a nice rig.  Maybe even have enough left over for a decent vintage TT!

Best of luck

"...check out the Iotavx sa3 which is pretty well regarded..."

This reads too good to be true. Really full package including dimming all the lights on the faceplate.
You really should look into the Parasound Z series. You can get separates, an amp, preamp, and phono stage for less than a grand if you shop carefully. You have to pick a pair of speakers first though. A little backwards to buy an amplifier system and then speaks IMO.