Amp and Bookshelf speaker setup for £250

I've had both amps and would say the NAD is somewhat better build quality components wise (they really do kinda skimp on looks to use better components and build), and better bass, and it plays louder more convincingly as well, though the sound quality difference isn't much, and i never compared them directly so it's all from memory.  I can't find a brand new graphite c315bee for less than £175 on the web though, it's not really £55 better, mine was £149 well over a year ago from hughes direct/amazon.  silver/titanium always seems to be lots cheaper, £159 currently on amazon ^_^...Second hand amps are something you should really consider too (especially the ones with original packaging, so easy to resell with no loss or perhaps a tiny profit, even taking ebay/paypal fees into account) " class="bbcode_smiley" height="" src="http://files.head-fi.org/images/smilies//smily_headphones1.gif" title="" width="" />

I used mission M32i speakers (£130, but rear ported), I liked them alot with both amps, but have some DC4 tannoys now which are very, very small (and a CA a500 amp).  The Diamond 9.1 also tempted me as they have such a big reputation, but i like to chose the alternative options for some fun, afterall i'd be shocked if a Cambridge Audio or NAD amplifier along with some british designed speakers actually sounded bad!  Your combo is £220, new, and should be just great!

I think that if you are buying an amplifier and speakers for low-ish money then second hand really is something to look at.

Because there are so many stereo amps and speakers available second hand the prices are very good and you will be able to pick up a good amp and speakers for £250.

A while back I sold an excellent Arcam integrated amplifier on eBay for about £150. This was really a very good amplifier in deed and could easily best amplifiers today which would be way outside of your budget.

There pretty much hasn't been any improvement at all in amplification or speakers for audio in decades. In fact the fashion for euphony in amplifiers today means that I think on average today's amplifiers are probably not as good as those made in the 80s and 90s.

Hey Patrick

I bought Arcam Muso speakers from Audio-T at a bargain price (100 Each) and then bought a NAD 3130 (1987) off eBay for GBP 55. I've auditioned Monitor Audio and a few others in about the same price range. Give them an audition. For me they are outstanding when you look at the clarity, detail and resolution. Perhaps you won't get a floor shattering bass but it's still pretty good with in its range without losing any detail. But the mids and highs are awesome. 

Just my opinion, of course.

Ven