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Integrated Amp Bargains with good balanced sound?

I could not find any info in archives, so I am starting this thread.
I am using Rega P3, Sonus Faber Concertino spkrs. ,but my amp is junk. 15 years old small Yamaha (part of a bookshelf system).
I don't have a big budget ,so i am mostly looking for Ebay bargains.
Someone out there must know what are the GREAT BAragain Integrated Amps I could find in under $500.00/600.00 category?
Something not vintage but a few years old.
I appreciate everyone's advice.
128x128dkzzzz
dkzzzz's avatar
dkzzzz OP
124 posts
 
I have read very contradictory reviews for NAD C325BEE...
Is it a great bargain or poor quality amp?
I am concern about it's sound being too overwhelmingly in high frequencies (metallic) kind of like Rotel RA1062.

Please advise.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Find a Creek integrated amp with the internal phono stage added.

A Cambridge Audio A3i integrated was designed by Creek. Phono is standard.

NAD is a good choice as well if it has the internal phono.
soulbrass
246 posts
 
Three questions to start... 1) do you need remote, 2) do you need to fill a large room or drive inefficient speakers and 3) do you need onboard phono - if so, MM or MC or both?

Your answer to these will immediately cull your list to a select few choices.

Without knowing the answers, here are a few integrated amps I've heard that you might consider.

Musical Fidelity A220
Musical Fidelity A2
Naim NAIT 1
Rega Brio
Audio Refinement Complete (Alpha)
NAD c320bee
Jolida 302b
Cambridge Audio Azur 540A v2

There are lots of choices in that price range - be patient and you should be able to find any of the recommendations and resell with little or no loss until you find one you like.

Good luck!
ablang
165 posts
 
Dkzzz--exactly the opposite on the NAD. I own the C325BEE and like it a lot. It has a warmer tonal balance than the Rotel. It's a great amp for the price, but you will need a phono stage.

Happy hunting!
dkzzzz's avatar
dkzzzz OP
124 posts
 
Thank you for your help Soulbrass.
"Three questions to start... 1) do you need remote, 2) do you need to fill a large room or drive inefficient speakers and 3) do you need onboard phono - if so, MM or MC or both?
"
To answer your Qs:
1.Don't care either way about remote.
2.No large room, 12x24 feet.
3.Sonus Faber Concertino spkrs: Large Bookshelves.
4.On board Phono is a must, MM is fine.
No tubes! Solid Integrated Amp.

I guess that knocks out Jolida right away.
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