Looking for Integrated Amp - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

mypasswordis · 05-28-2008, 08:57 PM

I realized a T Amp just isn't enough to properly amp my Stax. I was wondering if I could get a decent integrated amp for around $300. Headphone jack and phono stage would be bonuses, but not necessary for the sake of better SQ, and used is fine. Any suggestions?

meat01 · 05-28-2008, 10:14 PM

I would look at Audiogon for an NAD, Rotel, Marantz, Rega, Creek or Denon. Those should all do the job.

Fixcinater · 05-28-2008, 10:19 PM

I have been listening to a pair of Stax from my Creek 6060 and they are driven very well. Plenty of power/speed even at semi-high volumes.

mypasswordis · 05-28-2008, 10:22 PM

I know they will all do the job. I just wanted to know what people thought the best sounding integrateds in this price range are. Specific models and not just manufacturer names are appreciated.

meat01 · 05-29-2008, 12:59 PM

In the $300 price range, your options are pretty limited in each brand and there isn't going to be a huge sound quality difference between the different models.

The people who want to spend below $500, opt to get a receiver instead, so a lot of manufacturers don't usually sell lower priced integrateds.

I think you will be happy with any of the brands mentioned.

mypasswordis · 05-30-2008, 06:54 AM

Do you think buying used from a respected manufacturer would be better than buying a new cheapie like the Nuforce Icon?

meat01 · 05-30-2008, 12:49 PM

I am not familiar with the Nuforce Icon, but technology in integrated amps is not that fast, so even if you got a good 20 year old amp, it would kick butt. If it was me, I would go used.

senns&nonsense · 05-30-2008, 01:09 PM

I PM'd you with an offer on an Onkyo TOTL that I think would work for you, but one more suggestion.... I have used a Nikko integrated (NA790) for the past year and thought it was really great. Drove the Cantons beautifully and had an hp jack that was as good as anything I have owned including some expensive tube amps.

Nikkos come up often on fleabay and are never too expensive. Mine was $55 delivered! I have used Sansuis and Marantz (among others) that were similar driving speakers, but few older amps compared to the Nikko's hp output.

mail4u · 05-30-2008, 02:22 PM

Try garage sales for absolute bargains. In the last couple of weeks I've picked up a nice pair of Sony speakers, Sony surround sound receiver and classic Sony tuner for a grand total of $20. I'll never pay retail again! Oh, except for headphones.

mypasswordis · 05-30-2008, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by senns&nonsense

I PM'd you with an offer on an Onkyo TOTL that I think would work for you, but one more suggestion.... I have used a Nikko integrated (NA790) for the past year and thought it was really great. Drove the Cantons beautifully and had an hp jack that was as good as anything I have owned including some expensive tube amps.

Nikkos come up often on fleabay and are never too expensive. Mine was $55 delivered! I have used Sansuis and Marantz (among others) that were similar driving speakers, but few older amps compared to the Nikko's hp output.

Thanks for all your help. I just wanted to be sure I wasn't missing out on anything. I will give it a few more days' thought and get back to you.