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Budget receiver/integrated amp for Cornwall III's?

I'm not able to set up my CW-III's in our new home so I've had them up for sale (locally), but have had little interest. Therefore, I'm thinking about putting together a two channel rig is a spare bedroom that is sort of my man cave.

I'm on a very limited budget since I'm not sure how long I will keep this set-up and my plan is still to sale the speakers and downsize at some point.

I'm looking for an integrated amp or receiver that would be a good match for the Klipsch and $400 is going to be at the top of my budget. I know this is not much to work with, but I wont need allot of power. My room is ~ 12 x 16' and I'm looking to buy used.

I've got a three channel amp (too big), center speaker, etc. I'm also trying to sale and if something moves soon then I may be able to go a bit higher.

What do you think guys, is it possible to get good sound at this price? BTW, I still have many good IC's and speaker cables and will be using a Sony SACD/DVDP for my source. ES model, that's not half bad.
jack_dotson
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Jack-no vintage Carver, please. You will get tons of bass, no details and it will sound flat but very loud. For vintage integrated or receivers, sansui or marantz if you want solid state.
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
That new Marantz looks like a nice option, but where did you find it for that price? All the on-line shops seem to be $100 more. Does this Marantz have enough power to get a good bass from you CW III's?

If I could put together a few extra bucks, the Rega Brio 3 looks nice too.

Any of you guys have experience with this one?
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
Let me change this up a bit. The more I read the more it seems I should be looking for a integrated tube amp. I know many people feel this way so there must be something to it.

I'd like to get you guys thoughts on this? If this is the way to go then what's a decent budge amp that would be a good match?

Thanks.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
You are going to need to borrow one if you can to see if 10-20 watts is good for you. It was more than enough on my Cornwalls. $400 is a tight budget but for $500 there's a ton of choices for an integrated tube.
I do have a 7 watt Monacor for about $200 if you are interested.
Keep in mind that many of the low budget vintage pieces have issues due to age (humming, buzzing and noisy controls). Be prepared to have work done if you buy an inexpensive piece.
You other option is to start with a $100 Marantz solid state until your budget frees up a little more?
br3098
1,010 posts
 
$400 for a decent tube integrated is going to be tough. For that price (or less) I would suggest that you look at some great low-powered vintage SS units. The Marantz receivers, mentioned above, are a great choice. I love classic Sansui gear as well. But I think that the best choice might be a clean used (pre-Alpine era) Luxman receiver or (better) integrated amp. Look for a clean L405, L-450 or L-480. All should be available for well under $250.

If you are determined to buy a tube unit, I would look for a Dynaco SCA-35 or maybe an Eico ST-40. Nice units, but they often need work (cap upgrades at a minimum) and can be a bit noisy. If you get really lucky you might run across a Scott 222 or 299 series in your budget.
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