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Integrated amp decision, oh the headache

Want to buy integrated amp for music listening only. Have Klipsch reference 3 mains and M+K V125 sub, limited budget of $500. What is the best int. i can get for that price? Heard the NAD C-340 was an excellant amp, would that be a good one to get? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
mrsoundman
trelja
3,225 posts
 
NAD, or a (new or used) Musical Fidelity. Also try Creek. And PLEASE go and listen to a used Jolida. When you hear the magic of tubes. You may not have to upgrade for a LONG time.
pls1
432 posts
 
I have a Jolida 502 in my bedroom and an NAD 317 in my office. Both have great price performance and are avialable used for your price range. The Jolida sound marvelous retubed. The factory Chinese tubes do not do the design justice. A proper set of tubes is between $100-$200 based on your selections.
trelja
3,225 posts
 
You are quite correct about the Chinese tubes. European (Russian, Czech, or Yugo) tubes are a significant upgrade, really opening things up, and transforming them into new amps(of a much higher level). I also recommend a 202 or 302, which are EL-34 based(and cheaper), if this is enough power. The 502 and 801 use 6550(or you can go with KT-88, KT-90, or EVEN EL-34). EL-34's are much more musical(IMHO), and "classic" tube. EL-34's are also half the price(or less) than the 6550/KT88/KT90.
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