Dorm Room Amp/Preamp

Vinyl? Obi Wan, you have taught her well.....

For my money, in my rooms with my speakers, I didn't like the NAD. I thought the sound was too sterile and clinical, but had great dynamics and drive. It might depend on the music she likes. I haven't tried the Cambridge but have read that their flavor is more like tubes. I can't vouch for that though. I like my Decco and it is almost future=proof. Plenty of drive and dynamics. I thought the high end was a little soft, but maybe it is my speakers. So versatile and very pretty. It is impressive to look at, the remote is a plus, plenty of inputs but you would have to add a phono. Have some fun with it!

Tgrisham - yes, vinyl. Both my girls are very much into it. This one (the younger) is an voice (opera) major in college, and many great old performances never made it to digital media.

The Decco looks pretty good, but the phono stage on the Brio is also appealing. What speakersare you using with your Decco?

I have used some small AV123 monitors and older floorstanding DYnaudios 70s. Its difficult to say how it would sound until you are there in the room but it still has so many appealing qualities for her situation. I have never owned Rega but the reputation is good. The Decco turns digital into vinyl. That may be appealing. But, then you have the cost of a phono stage and interconnects. The Rega is small and has a phono but you would have to add a DAC. Decisions....decisions.... But, isn't it nice to have a child who appreciates music and music reproduction? Something to share with them....Life is good!

NAD, good enough for the dorm. Good enough for a second system anywhere. Use the money you don't spend on hardware on music and/or live performances.