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Looking for Integrated Amp

post #1 of 12
5/28/08 at 5:57pm
Thread Starter 
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?
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post #2 of 12
5/28/08 at 7:14pm
I would look at Audiogon for an NAD, Rotel, Marantz, Rega, Creek or Denon. Those should all do the job.
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post #3 of 12
5/28/08 at 7:19pm
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.
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post #4 of 12
5/28/08 at 7:22pm
Thread Starter 
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.
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post #5 of 12
5/29/08 at 9:59am
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.
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post #6 of 12
5/30/08 at 3:54am
Thread Starter 
Do you think buying used from a respected manufacturer would be better than buying a new cheapie like the Nuforce Icon?
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post #7 of 12
5/30/08 at 9:49am
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.
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post #8 of 12
5/30/08 at 10:09am
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.
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post #9 of 12
5/30/08 at 11:22am
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.
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post #10 of 12
5/30/08 at 7:52pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by senns&nonsense View Post
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.
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post #11 of 12
5/30/08 at 8:16pm
PM7001

A bit out of budget, but if you can, this is fantastic for the price.
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post #12 of 12
5/30/08 at 9:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mypasswordis View Post
Do you think buying used from a respected manufacturer would be better than buying a new cheapie like the Nuforce Icon?
The Icon is sounds good compared to any amp in the budget range, but it's very weak (12W) so it's only useful as a desktop amp. If you don't need anything small, I'd definitely recommend a full sized analog amp such as a Cambridge Audio 340A, which is what I would buy myself if I needed something like that
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