Amp's that are better sounding than a nad 3020


Hi, I'm sourcing for an integrated amp that doesn't needs to have much power, the budget is 300$ what do I choose?

orcodisco

No idea what your amp sounds like but I am relegated to older stuff due to my budget. I recent scored a Denon PMA520 and tuner for about $150. One of the most pleasant surprises in a long time. Fairly detailed for its age (1990 or so) and sounds great with KEF Q150, Pioneer FS52, or QAcoustics 3020i. This is the amp that put the Sansuis and Luxmans back in the closet and started me down a spending spree of old Denon integrateds. 

I doubt you are going to find anything that sounds better than the NAD for 300.00. Save your pennies, then move up...

 

 

 

I think the more significant question would revolve around the age and condition of the parts in ANY 40-50 year old audio amp. If any integrated amps (including the NAD) have been serviced by a reputable repair shop then one can do a comparison. If I were looking at what I could buy for $300 and many older amps were found, I must include another $300 for service and parts at a minimum. If I didn’t take into consideration parts condition, parts availability, quality service.... that would be foolish. I think an amp for $300 is really an amp for $600-$800, or you will have failure problems very soon for buying an old integrated amp for $300.

Check out Cheapaudioman on You Tube. He focuses on lower priced but still great sounding equipment, and has reviewed a number of amps in your price range. 

Wait until you can afford a decent amplifier.  Never heard an amp could cost only $300.