2. amps-preamps
  3. 1233268925

Just Starting..Budgeting up to 1K for next upgrade

Last august I realized that my stereo just wasn't performing in an acceptable way. I had an Ipod connected to Yamaha Natural sound best buy RX 5.1 model- Some Bose 301s from 1996 and a Yamaha DVD/CD player.

So i decided to make a move to vinyl..figured I'd start from the source and build out. I bought a rega P2. But I couldn't enjoy it on those beat up speakers so I hastily bought a pair of used Epos ELS 3 for $400. I say hastily because i didn't do much leg work just wanted to replace the old speakers. That said, I am pretty happy with the ELS 3.

So now I've budgeted up to 1K for a new amp (or possibly a different upgrade, if it will make my system sound better). I am slowing accepting that 1K puts you in the budget catagory, but its still a hefty hunk of scratch on my budget- I have a couple months to do some good research and don't want to make any impulse purchase.

So I'm debating staying in the REGA family for simplicity sake but would love some input as to other amps in this price range.. I am of the mind that a two channel amp is better then an equally priced multichannel, and I have no desire for surround sound for video.but again I'm new to this and overwhelmed by all the information. I like pure, clean sound and intend to primarily play vinyl on the system.

Aside from good sound I also love good value and want to plug it all in and say damn that sounds good, as opposed to damn..gotta start saving again.

Any advice on how to best spend this 1K would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
ap
randypleasant
mik971
153 posts
 
I think your epos speakers are good, I would change the amp! I worked my way up the integrated chain owning:Rotel,Arcam,Rega,and Bryston. Bryston is my favorite, but I really loved the sound of my Rega Brio.(if you don't need a remote or a ton of power!) I think a used Mira would be a great choice too. Sometimes you can find Bryston-B60's here on A'gon for about $1000, and have at least 10 years of warranty left.(great amp!) I have also heard my friends PrimaLuna, which is what I would buy if I was getting into tubes. Good Luck!
dwhitt
347 posts
 
cambridge 640 int
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
GReat speakers on a "bad" amp is a recipe for sonic disaster. I would rather you go for the best integrated amp you can find in your budget, and then go from there. However, if your ipod is playing compressed files, you are quickly going to reach (maybe already have) the limit of improvement you can make w that source.
randypleasant OP
4 posts
 
Yeah. The Ipod is out regulated to downstairs on a little dock. After the amp I'll start worry about a cd player.
thanks for all the input
hens
173 posts
 
I also support upgrading the amp first - your speakers are good, especially in the context of a stsrting system. I think you should take a look at the Musical Fidelity range of amps. The A300 would match well with your Epos speakers and has a terrific MM/MC phono stage. Second hand they go for around $800 and with 150 w/ch into 8 ohms, they will drive most any speaker you may upgrade to in the future.
More to discover