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Needing a new Integrated Amplifier

post #1 of 22
11/17/08 at 2:06am
Thread Starter 
My Nad 3020 Died. I need a integrated amplifier for my system that goes like this.

Computer Soundcard -->Integrated Amp

Speakers are Energy C-50
Quote:
System Type Bass Reflex, Rear Vented
Frequency Response 65Hz-20kHz +/- 3 dB
Nominal Impedence 8 ohms; Minimum Impedance: 4 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power up to 100 watts
Components Chambered 1" Aluminum Dome, 4-1/2" Composite Fiberglas cone
Useable Bass Response (-10db Anechoic) 60 Hz
Sensitivity (anechoic) 85dB
Sensitivity (2 speakers in a typical room) 88dB
Crossover Point 2.9kHz
Sub is Energy ESW-8

Quote:
System Type Bass Reflex with Front Firing Port
Frequency Response 3Hz-150Hz +/- 3dB
Amplifier Power Output 200 Watts
Woofer 8” (20 cm) MPP Cone with Patented Ribbed Elliptical Surround
Variable Low Pass Filter 40Hz-150Hz @ 18dB/octave
Variable Phase Control 0°, 180°
Power Mode Switch On/Auto/Off
Inputs Line In/Sub In & Speaker Level In
Budget is $300 (would like to spend less though) MAX used or new. (Hopefully used to save some cash). I was thinking maybe the Pioneer A-35R for $200 Shipped?

Also, would I be better off with just a Receiver?
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post #2 of 22
11/17/08 at 2:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shizdan View Post
My Nad 3020 Died. I need a integrated amplifier for my system that goes like this.
I just wanted to say again that I'm very sorry it died on you. I'm glad to hear the seller accepted it for return.

Quote:
Budget is $300 (would like to spend less though) MAX used or new. (Hopefully used to save some cash). I was thinking maybe the Pioneer A-35R for $200 Shipped?

Also, would I be better off with just a Receiver?
Technically, a receiver is an integrated amp. The thing is, you don't need a multichannel one, and most available today from big chain mortar stores just aren't worth it.

In terms of suggestions of a new integrated, there's two options:

audio advisor has some NAD and Cambridge units on clearance.

Or you can search through audiogon.


I'm hesitant to suggest another vintage unit off ebay. I've never had bad luck myself, but I should probably be a little bit more considerate this time around.
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post #3 of 22
11/17/08 at 2:47am
Thread Starter 
Don't worry about it. It was a GREAT recomendation i just hit the bad luck of the draw.

What about these

Pioneer A-35R $200 Shipped
NAD - C-325BEE $300 Shipped
Cambridge - 540A v2 Integrated Amplifier $300 Shipped (also in black)
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post #4 of 22
11/17/08 at 3:24am
What Hi-Fi has reviewed both the NAD and Cambridge. The V1 seemed to have a problem of being very uninvolving. However, the V2 seems to be a a wonderful pick.

Here's the Cambridge review.

Here's the NAD review.

As for the Pioneer, I'm having some trouble finding anything definitive.

Someone used to own one and sold it here a quite a while back

linky

They directly compare it to the NAD . . . so the real question will probably be between the Cambridge and it.

I don't think you could go horribly wrong either way. I'm sure both are rather capable products. I personally lean towards the Cambridge, but that's due to media coverage of it in comparison.
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post #5 of 22
11/17/08 at 3:35am
Thread Starter 
So your saying either the pioneer or cambridge?
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post #6 of 22
11/17/08 at 3:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shizdan View Post
So your saying either the pioneer or cambridge?
That's exactly what I'm saying
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post #7 of 22
11/17/08 at 3:43am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shike View Post
That's exactly what I'm saying
Why not the nad?
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post #8 of 22
11/17/08 at 3:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shizdan View Post
Why not the nad?
I'm referencing the person that sold his Pioneer that had both and said the Pioneer had sounded better.

Also, looking at the What Hi-Fi reviews the NAD seems to stutter a little bit on more complex music. There's nothing but praise for the Cambridge except for being potentially bright sounding.
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post #9 of 22
11/17/08 at 3:47am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shike View Post
That's exactly what I'm saying
Ok where do i plug in the sub woofer?

I guess I'll go with the pioneer and save some cash
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post #10 of 22
11/17/08 at 3:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shizdan View Post
Ok where do i plug in the sub woofer?
You take the wire for the speaker outs, route them to the back of the sub, and from the sub to the speakers. Use the subwoofer crossover to adjust cutoff.
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post #11 of 22
11/17/08 at 3:51am
Thread Starter 
heres the problem my sub only has speaker input...not output
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post #12 of 22
11/17/08 at 3:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shizdan View Post
heres the problem my sub only has speaker input...not output
So it's a basic speaker level connection. On that case, you have to hook both the sub and speakers to the same terminals on the amp. If you're worried about it, you can double check and shoot Energy an email. I've seen it have to be done before though, so I wouldn't worry too much.
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post #13 of 22
11/17/08 at 4:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shike View Post
So it's a basic speaker level connection. On that case, you have to hook both the sub and speakers to the same terminals on the amp. If you're worried about it, you can double check and shoot Energy an email. I've seen it have to be done before though, so I wouldn't worry too much.
I couln't hook the sub up through rca's?
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post #14 of 22
11/17/08 at 4:15am
Thread Starter 
See..


My sub only has Speaker input!
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post #15 of 22
11/17/08 at 4:33am
Watch the video on this page.

You'll be using the last option to double up. You do not have a preamp RCA available on that. You could use the tape outs, but they will not change the volume of the subwoofer with the speakers. Meaning, any time you change the volume you'll have a problem.

So just double up on them and you should be fine.
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