2. amps-preamps
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Budget integrated amp?

Friend's amp is having issues and he asked me what was "good...for around $1000 new". Like me he is deep in the middle of the Pacific, actually deeper than me because he is on the Big Island of Hawaii, out in the desert/volcano area. I suggested the Schiit Ragnarok 2 which I have only read about but is on sale and has both good writeups and a 5 year warranty and is American made. Also, the Marantz PM6007, a few Rotel amps I read about that are on deal at Crutchfield (which ships to Hawaii free) and the Outlaw RR2160, which I have heard at another friend's. He is an older boomer like me and wants something like his old Marantz 2252B. I told him that those dont exist anymore. For those of you who might have head some of these am I giving him good ideas and have I missed anything substantive. He is not oriented to used and is on a tight budget. He is running both a CDP and an iFi streamer. Suggestions?

joekapahulu
macg19
911 posts
 

I can’t explain nor will I denigrate the Yamaha nay sayers but Yamaha makes some of the finest musical instruments and audio gear on the planet. Which is amazing considering they make other gear like motorcycles. Which btw have the tuning fork logo on them.

I have a Yamaha RX A3080 AVR that is by no means a great example compared to some of their 2 channel offerings, that shares my main speakers with my 2 channel rig. I listen to the onboard streaming and DAC for background / casual listening and I am often surprised at how good it sounds compared to my 2 channel integrated at 10 times the price.

eagledriver_22's avatar
eagledriver_22
81 posts
 

@akg_ca   +1

 

2psyop's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
2psyop
1,563 posts
 

The speaker load is a very important consideration here. Solid state and tube amps are great choices but paired with the right speakers. I have Line Magnetic and Rogue tube amps paired with easy to drive speakers with higher sensitivity. I also have a Musical Fidelity M6 500i that drives lower sensitivity speakers. All of them are good integrated amps. But not really interchangeable.

blackbag20
455 posts
 

Great suggestions here ... I would check The Music Room ... 

 

https://tmraudio.com/components/integrated-amplifiers/?page=3&rb_price=379.95%2C1000&tab=products

shtinkydog
681 posts
 

One more for Yamaha. I have 2 of their current models: the 501 and 701, each one is being used in totally different environments. They both do a great job and sound really good. Good luck in your search!

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