Opinion on Music Hall A50.2 integrated amp

Geph0007, I feel about the same as you do in regards to integrated amps in the $1200 and under range. I have the NAD c320BEE and c325BEE and they are nice but are what they are (which is a nice budget amp). I'm sorry but I can't tell you how the MH A50.2 sounds but as you said Music Hall products are well built.

I wanted to tell you that you might want to try and hear the Arcam FMJ A19. It has the headphone amp and phono stage you are looking for. I have one and really like it. It is a nice step up in every way over the NADs I've had. The build quality is excellent, functions and features are outstanding and the sound is wonderful.

This is not to dissuade you from from getting the A50.2, I just wanted to give you a heads up about the Arcam which gives you another option to look into and seems to have the features your looking for with great sound too.

Cheers,

Scott

Thanks, My other option for the same price is a 1988 Yamaha MX 1000U amp and CX 800u preamp. Maybe this is a no brainer.

FYI I found the 325 to be alot better then the 320 and sound much like the Exposure 2010S

Just a thought...Why a whole new integrated? You mentioned that the Exposure you tried sounded wonderful but lacked a headphone jack and phono stage. These things can be easily added.

To me, a good amp should be quiet and properly drive your speakers to the level you want to listen to them at with any strain. These two primary functions often make for great sounding amp; not the features like a phono stage. You can add a real good one, better than what's in most integrateds, for a lot less then replacing the whole amp.

Geph0007, I don't know anything about the Yamaha pieces but they look very impressive. Thanks for the 325BEE/2010s comparison. Like you I found the 325 to be an improvement over the 320.

Paraneer has a very good point too about adding a good phono stage and headphone amp to the Exposure but then you would also have the extra cost of quality interconnects and multiple boxes. Good luck in your search. Keep us posted. If you end up getting them I would like to hear what you think of the Yamaha pieces.

If I were you I would buy the internal exposure phono card. Then spring for headphone amp when funds come available. Exposure really does punch above its price in several ways. You can find amps that best it in some things but to me it's different not out right better.

You will have to spend a lot more to beat the exposure on all fronts. The older exposure line can get you even more for your money. If you into exposure sound go with it.