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Suggestions for lower priced pre/amp

I am looking to replace our 17 year old Nikko receiver as it is slowly starting to give up. Right now it is in our family room and has a small TV connected to it. We have a dedicated HT in the basement that handles all the multi-channel stuff. So, I was thinking of upgrading this to a better 2-channel setup to listen mostly to our music which I am currently converting to lossless FLAC files that will be played over a Squeezebox. The room is about 12wx15long and has 8 ft ceilings. The current setup has the receiver/speakers in the corner of the room angling out toward the seating area. We sit about 10 feet from the speakers and I have bookshelf speakers that are spaced about 5-6 ft apart. Our music is a little bit of everything, Classic Rock/Blues to Classical and instrumental jazz with just about all genres represented. Listening is mostly low to moderate volume but I do "crank" it sometimes.

My budget is most likely $500 or under for the amp. I will want to connect the TV audio to it but other than that all I need is an input for the Squeezebox. My current speakers are fairly sensitive (90, I think) but I may be replacing them within the next year or so so that could change.

Since I haven't been in the market for an amp or speakers in quite a while I'd like to get some ideas to narrow the field down. I know the amp and speakers work together so if you could suggest possible bookshelf sized speakers that might be a match with the amp that would be very helpful.
ruleof72
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,769 posts
 
Actually, there are a couple of receivers that offer fairly decent amplifier sections for the price and will work well with speakers in the price range that you are looking for:

Denon DRA395 (list $350)
Outlaw RR2150 (list $600; available direct from Outlaw Audio)
Yamaha RX 797 (list $500)

As for speakers, try to track down a pair of NHT SB2 or SB3. They have been discontinued, but are available if you shop around. Very special speakers.

You can also try the Wharfedale Diamond 9.2's. Another special speaker. they list for $550 and Audio Advisor has them for $350.

Regards, Rich
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,758 posts
 

A used Rotel 1060, 1062 or RA-02 would give you great sound within your budget and the outputs for two pair of speakers.
ruleof72 OP
26 posts
 
Thanks for the insight and suggestions! So far the NAD C372 and Rotel 1060/1062 seem like contenders price/budget wise. What are the major differences in sound from those 2 manufacturers, is there a significantly different sound? Also, how do the Cambridge Audio integrated amps compare and what are some suggested bookshelf speakers to pair up with these amps?
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,769 posts
 
All 3 manufacturers that you list ... NAD (C372); Rotel (1060/1062); and Cambridge Audio (540 or 640) sound different to a certain degree ... though I am not sure how much those differences will mean to you. All 3 makes have their fans and detractors; all 3 are quality products; and all 3 will probably work out well in your family room given the room size; how loud you listen; etc. All 3 have been reviewed in Stereophile; The Absolute Sound; and/or What Hi Fi (British) ... so reviews and reviewers' impressions are easy enough to track down ... but auditioning is still key, especially with speakers. Your idea of great sound may not be mine and vice versa.

In your price range ... I like NAD's paired with NHT (SB2 or SB3; now Classic 2 & 3; respectively) and Wharfedale (Diamond 9 series) speakers ... great synergy. If you read the British hifi press, they are often pairing Rotel and CA with speakers from B&W (DM 600 series); Monitor Audio (Bronze series); and Wharfedale (Diamond 9 series).

As an aside, I was working with a fellow Agoner on putting together a system for a small sized, but dedicated listening room and he just paired a NAD C320BEE with Wharfedale Diamond 9.2 speakers (Pioneer PD 65 CD player) and he is enjoying his set-up quite a bit. I had a NAD C320BEE paired with NHT SB2 speakers (Music Hall MMF CD25 CD player) happily for 2+ years, before changing things around. I am now using those same NHT's with the Outlaw RR2150 receiver (SONY GX315 DVD recorder/player) and it really is a pleasing set-up.

What are some of the speaker brands that you have access to for a listen?

Regards, Rich

sfar's avatar
sfar
1,758 posts
 
The difference between NAD and Rotel is going to come down to personal preference and your choice of speakers is going to have a considerably more significant effect on the sound than your choice between either of those brands.

I've owned a couple of NAD integrateds and at least five different Rotel components. My preference is for the Rotel stuff. I like the build quality, sound and the ergonomics better but there's absolutely nothing wrong with NAD gear in the same general price range and you can't really go wrong with either. It's probably more important that you find an amp in good condition at a good price than worrying too much about whether of those two brands you buy.

I've also owned one Cambridge Audio integrated and still listen to it often at a friend's house. It sounds great and the price was right but the build quality isn't as good as either Rotel or NAD.

It's much harder to narrow down the speaker choice, you're really going to have to spend some time listening to the options or just take a chance and try to find something that keeps its resale value in case you want to switch. Read everything you can find in the speaker forum here, try to match up what you read with the classifieds listings and then take a leap. If you read enough you'll find the same brands coming up over and over and you'll eventually get some sense of what might work for you. It's safe enough to start with B&W, Epos, Usher, Paradigm, PSB, NHT, Meadowlark, Soliloquy or any of the other brands you'll see mentioned often but try to listen to your choice first if you can.
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