2. amps-preamps
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Suggestions for a budget amp

Well, im thinking about upgrading my system (just started out and am still in high school so my budget is a major constraint). Basically im trying to build a sterio system that will last me until im out of college and have a "real" job. My current system includes NHT-SB3 speakers, Onkyo TX-8211 sterio reciever a sony CDP-CE275 cd changer, Furmann Q-2312 EQ, and blue-jeans cabling. Its my opinion that the Onkyo is what holds the system back the most at this point so im looking to replace it and fight the upgrade bug until i can afford it. I've looked at the Rotell RA-02 and the Nad C320Bee (the Nad is my favorite so far) but need more ideas (there HAVE to be more budget amps out there, right?). I also shopped around Yamaha's and Onkyo's sites, but their higher end stuff just adds more features, not much by the way of sound quality (from what i could tell by specs... may be wrong). Im looking for something that i can upgrade in stages down the line (i.e. unplugging the power amp section of a preamp and using a beefier seperate, or bi-amping... something like that). I dont need much power since ill be in dorm rooms or crowded appartments for the near future and even in my fair sized room now i rarely turn my 40 wpc Onkyo above 9:00 and its never been over 12:00. I listen to everything from Mozart to Metallica, except rap and pop. Even put in some country every now and then (I think its a law here in Texas ;-)
Thanks for your help,
-Dan-
dk89
jdombrow
371 posts
 
You could browse the amp ads here at Audiogon, and when you find something in your price range do some web searches for comments and reviews. Eventually you will find something that appeals to you. Take your time!
maineiac
649 posts
 
Hi Dan,

I think a used Musical Fidelity X-150 or A308 would be a good choice that would carry you for a quite a while. Good luck.
bignerd100
515 posts
 
For the SB3's in a college setting you will want as much power as you can get. It only takes one evening of maxing out the amp to fry the crossover and woofer in that particular speaker. They are very inefficient speakers and will need lots of power to reach high volume levels (which will happen from time to time even if you are not arround).
The 320BEE is a fine budget integrated but I would suggest you get something like a used Parasound HCA-1000A before leaving for college.

If you have to replace the woofers on the SB3's it will set you back $100 a peice. $50 a peice for crossovers.
Get the biggest, baddest power amp you can afford.
If you were looking for a budget preamp AudioSource makes one that has much more gain than the NAD. It is not an audiophile preamp but it could do the trick with a beefy power amp.

Good luck!
jond's avatar
jond
5,780 posts
 
What's your exact budget?
klipschfan
176 posts
 
Luminous Audio-Axiom pre cost 125.00. A decent used amp can be had for 400-700. Belles 150 or Edge M-4 along with a few others all in this price range. Or you could save up for the Bryston integrated with a 20 year warranty. McIntosh MA6300 integrated will be out in May. The McIntosh would be worth thinking about-while costing more, you can will it to your grandchildren, best resale value in audio, they service everything they ever made, factor in the initial cost over a 30 year period and it will be money well spent. Best of luck!.
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