college kid needs help with budget amps

I think a NAD integrated makes a lot of sense, used with more power if your speakers are inefficent, or new C350 if efficient, and you should have enough left over for a pair of headphones, say the Grado 150 (I think) for about $125. Headphones are the way to go if you'r ein a dorm and/or have roommates. And the NAD for the money is very good. I dont think you can find a preamp and amp for less than $500 that will be any better. I cant even think of a preamp under $500 that's any good at all, except for maybe a Creek passive or that passive preamp "Sam Tellig" has talked about. But then you dont get a headphone amp. And that is essential in close quarters, I think.

Cambridge Audio A3i is a great integrated used around $225 to 250; has decent phono stage. The new A300 version 2 is about the same power. Both have two sets of speaker terminals to make biwiring easy and cheap (don't need special cables). Also for used around $650 the Audio Refinement Complete is very very nice. These are all 50 watt amps.

For a great cheap pre-amp, look for a Superphon (used only). You should be able to find them from $150 to $300 depending on model and age. There are a couple listed on Audiogon now.

i have to echo praise for NAD. i'm a college student myself and got a used c340 for $300 about a month ago. it's all i could've asked for for the money

I personally prefer Arcam to NAD, in a budget solid state integrated. I have owned both, and the NAD is a bit grainy in comparison. The brand I chose to sell in this price range is JoLida, which I think has some very musical offerings - erring on the side of warm and smooth.