+1 Rich.. Hard to go wrong. Also buy a used budget DAC and USB to SPDIF converter. Amps do not age as do DACs.
Small System Rebuild. Need Integrated Amp
Do to circumstances beyond my control (but not beyond my ex-wife's control) I am re-building with a very small budget minded system. I have found a very nice deal on a new pair of Focal Chorus 714V speakers so I am set on that end. I am going to need almost everything else from cabling to integrated amp to DAC. The first order of business is the integrated amp.
I have been considering a couple of locally available options.
1. Cambridge Audio Azur 651A Integrated amp with 75 watts per channel and about $800. Trusted standby as I owned both a 650 and 851 at different times
2. NAD D7050 Direct Digital Network Amplifier for $1000. 50 watts per channel and I like the feature rich aspects that really meets my computer based system needs and the sleek design. It has a built in USB DAC which me I don't have to add a DAC and the additional digital inputs meets a need for connecting satellite TV. It also has a cool iPad remote control app. But, the sound I question some. It was airy and open but somewhat, well, digital.
3. NAD C356BEE Integrated Amp. At 80 watts per channel this has a more natural sound I think I would like. This can been gotten for $800 or add the DAC module for $900. I guess I have a little concern over all these built in DACs with regards to quality and perform a cover buy a separate DAC in the $300 to $500 range. Being a traditional integrated amp it has lots more inputs than I am going to need.
Other thoughts are appreciated. I also have to consider cabling (probably Kimber speaker) and interconnects.
I have been considering a couple of locally available options.
1. Cambridge Audio Azur 651A Integrated amp with 75 watts per channel and about $800. Trusted standby as I owned both a 650 and 851 at different times
2. NAD D7050 Direct Digital Network Amplifier for $1000. 50 watts per channel and I like the feature rich aspects that really meets my computer based system needs and the sleek design. It has a built in USB DAC which me I don't have to add a DAC and the additional digital inputs meets a need for connecting satellite TV. It also has a cool iPad remote control app. But, the sound I question some. It was airy and open but somewhat, well, digital.
3. NAD C356BEE Integrated Amp. At 80 watts per channel this has a more natural sound I think I would like. This can been gotten for $800 or add the DAC module for $900. I guess I have a little concern over all these built in DACs with regards to quality and perform a cover buy a separate DAC in the $300 to $500 range. Being a traditional integrated amp it has lots more inputs than I am going to need.
Other thoughts are appreciated. I also have to consider cabling (probably Kimber speaker) and interconnects.
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- 11 posts total
- 11 posts total