2. amps-preamps
  3. 1265766193

Best Integrated w/ Phono-In under $350

I have decided to get my feet in the world of vinyl. I am trying to get educated and put together a system at the same time. But the amp part of it has me very confused.

I am on a fairly limited budget and really want to find a good starter amp under $350. Aside from needing to have a phono-in I really have no other requirements. New or used is fine.

Some I've looked at are the Marantz PM5003 (seen a few at the top of my budget), the NAD C325BEE (have yet to see one available anywhere), and a few others. But like I said, I am pretty well wrapped around the axle now and would appreciate some guidance from those who are more worldly about these things.

Thanks.
dmw16
cleaneduphippy
323 posts
 
Sterophile had a very good review of the Marantz PM5003 and said the following about it's phono section.

"Still, I was skeptical that a $450 integrated, however well made and with however many features, could also include a high-quality phono stage. I expected to hear the sound of a throwaway phono stage. I was wrong. I ended up spending nearly half my time with the Marantz listening to vinyl—I was so pleased with its sound that I just kept playing black disc after black disc."

http://stereophile.com/integratedamps/marantz_pm5003_integrated_amplifier/
inna
7,296 posts
 
Used Audiolab 8000A made in England could be the best choice. It sounds excellent, has acceptable phono stage and is very reliable.
I think there is one right now on ebay.
jazzgene
145 posts
 
For $350 used, I think a Arcam integrated amps are a great value. I used to have an Arcam Alpha8R and it was a great amp for the price.
ecclectique
509 posts
 
Hey Gang. A bunch of good suggestions here however, it would be a whole lot easier to make a recommendation if we knew what speaker he intends on is using it with.
boxand1's avatar
boxand1
3 posts
 
Vintage is a nice idea for vinyl... afterall, the electronics were assembled (basically) for the soul purpose of reproducing phono, and they often have more than one input which will accommodate mm/mc. You can use the aux for cd, if you so desire. Also, there are plenty of quality recapped/ refurbished/ serviced items available...

I have been admiring a few Sansui options, specifically the 9090db--be mindful however, It's rather large!

Another option is to purchase a newer integrated and use an external phono stage, namely the NAD-PP2 (self-serving edit, I have a spare available in excellent condition). The PP2 has some really great reviews, which are well-deserved. This option is nice because you are likely to gain a newer product with warranty which may accommodate cd, ipod, Usb, etc. but also play vinyl well via the external stage (the Outlaw stereo integrated 2150 has all if these features with onboard phono, but it is $700/ $475-550 used).

Most importantly, have fun and save some coin for your record collection on the front-end, because once you hear it you won't want to stop!

--best
More to discover