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Asking for guidance on my first hi-fi system...

Hello, this is my first post here and I am hoping to gain a little confidence in making a purchase of an integrated amp for a nice two channel music only system. I recently built my own speakers, (the Jim Holtz Mini Statements) and auditioned them at my friends house on two different high end audio systems.... Rogue, Electrocompaniet, Van Alstine are a few names I remember of his gear. He helped me confirm that my speakers sound very nice and are a good starting point to build upon. My budget is 500.00 or less for an amp. Currently I use an Onkyo HT-R520 home theatre receiver, set on "Direct" listening mode. Obviously, my speakers don't sound as good with the Onkyo. I believe the bass is over emphasized and the mids and highs are a little lacking in detail.
Here are my objectives:
1. Stay within budget
2. Find something that will sound better and resolve the weaknesses of the Onkyo

Currently I am interested in a 300 to 400 dollar Carver CM 1090 integrated amp. Would this be a wise choice given it's age? or should I be looking at a new NAD, or ?????

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
jfmerk
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,369 posts
 
You cannot go wrong with a NAD. From personal experience, they are very musical. You can also take a look at some Marantz or Onkyo.
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jfmerk OP
20 posts
 
Thank you for your replies, since posting I've steered away from the Carver idea. I'll definitely explore some of the suggestions mentioned, I was thinking a preamp and amp wouldn't be doable for my budget so I'm excited to hear that it is. I thought I'd be limited to an integrated amp. Looking at that option, would an Arcam A65 be on the same playing field as the the suggestions given thus far ?

I also like the idea of an integrated that has the preamp out option.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
You could find a really nice sounding amp/pre-amp combo for around $500. My advice would be to spend a little more on the pre-amp than the amp. Perhaps an upper level older NAD or Rotel. RC-990/995. The Nakamichi CA-5 is a very nice older unit. Now this goes against what I previously said, but....if you could live w/o a pre-amp output and remote, the Adcom GTP-350 is a steelar pre-amp/tuner combination. (Under $100 used.) Match it w/ a nice amp (perhaps an ADCOM 5300 or a Rotel amp) and for a song you'll have a very nice combination. As far as an int. amp., a new NAD 326 is something worth considering. You have alot of options! Be patient and do check carefully seller feedback if buying used. Good Luck! Bill
donjr
1,335 posts
 
When I restarted out at 28 years of age I bought a NAD C370 brand new for a good deal. That amp always amazed me and I passed it onto my son who still uses it. I bought it brand new and it made me proud. If I didn't have kids it would still be here doing something. It was 80 watts but sure seemed like more to me. That integrated always amazed me. You owe it to yourself to listen to NAD to see if you like it. They're such a big company that they can truly offer a lot for the money. I miss it so much because it brings back such great memories that I've been looking for a 375 to have on hand. There's not a lot of people that will bash NAD unless they've never owned one. Built like a tank with very few issues. Very musical. Integrateds are more popular than ever and will continue on that path. Don't start out with separates.
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