Entry level amp for a noob

Hi all I currently have a sony s-master digital amplifier model no. hcd-dz120. also, my parents have a HITACHI HA-4700 that I could get repaired for $200 AUD. I'm looking to get a new one though, and to be honest I don't really know much at all about amps. I also want to get some new speakers (bookshelf), but I thought it might be best to get the amp first. All up, my budget is about $1000 AUD. Maybe down the track I would like to do some recording and stuff, so perhaps it would be cool if the setup could be used for monitoring as well. I don't know if it helps but my favourite type of music is prog metal like opeth and katatonia and I also like acoustic stuff. e.g: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLEogbdozHc

looking forward to some feedback, sorry if i sound really noob!

Are you looking for a 2ch receiver, home theater receiver, integrated amp or a separate power amp and preamp?

probably a seperate amp & pre amp.

NAD, Cambridge Audio, Marantz, to name a few. But on your budget, I would consider the UPA2 amp from www.emotiva.com I believe that they ship to your part of the world. That amp looks to be a real bargain. I suggest that you read up on Emotiva.

Rotel, Parasound, NAD all have entry level amps & pre's where you get a good performance/price ratio. Marantz is also a good choice but I'm not sure if they also offer a current preamp in your price range. Their offerings in the AUD line are probably different than in the USA.

I've never listened to a Cambridge Audio amp yet, only heard the integrateds (which I liked) however I don't think they have a stereo preamp in the current lineup.

I do not recommend the Emotiva's. They are inexpensive but you get what you pay for in this instance and your ears will agree, at least mine do. I am picky so maybe you'll like them, idk.

Haven't listened to much Opeth recently but I may have to bust some of their cd's out soon.

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Originally Posted by TheHills44060

Rotel, Parasound, NAD all have entry level amps & pre's where you get a good performance/price ratio. Marantz is also a good choice but I'm not sure if they also offer a current preamp in your price range. Their offerings in the AUD line are probably different than in the USA.

I've never listened to a Cambridge Audio amp yet, only heard the integrateds (which I liked) however I don't think they have a stereo preamp in the current lineup.

I do not recommend the Emotiva's. They are inexpensive but you get what you pay for in this instance and your ears will agree, at least mine do. I am picky so maybe you'll like them, idk.

Haven't listened to much Opeth recently but I may have to bust some of their cd's out soon.

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On his budget of $1K AUS he won't be able to afford many of the amps that you and I suggested. NAD and Emotiva make some good sounding lower priced units. And Cambridge Audio does make a preamp to go along with their power amp!

What "many" amps are you speaking of? I agreed with the exact same list as you (sans Emotiva) but added (2) suggestions of my own...Rotel and Parasound.

Assuming they are available in AUS he could get something like a Rotel RC-1070 pre/RB-1050 amp within his budget. A local dealer near me still has both new. Audio Advisor is constantly blowing out good Parasound amps & pre's at really thrifty prices.

Hmm you are right, I do see the Cambridge Audio 840E preamp now but that looks like 1 and a half times his entire budget alone.

Lastly I agree NAD has some good bang for the buck gear but I do not agree that Emotiva offers the same value.

I guess that you are not aware of how much more things cost in AUS. The lower priced Classic Parasound amps, Rotels go for $550 and up here in the US.. Going the used route may be the way for him to go.

I have never been to AUS so I was just doing a straight currency conversion. I totally agree with going used, sure it's a nice feeling to get a brand new piece of gear but the value of going used is tough to beat. Especially in a hobby where the upgrade bug is so powerful.

Electronics cost almost twice as much as they do here, that why I recommended Emotiva. The U.S. price is the same and the shipping is not too expensive. He should also check into some factory refurbished Van Alstine amps.

http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?opt...43e3bcaac58aac

You can't buy anything better for the price of that Omega Star amp and preeamp with a 1yr warranty. Give Frank Van Alstine a call or email if your interested Nat0aus. PM me if you want to find out more about AVA gear.

Nat,
have look at www.mirandahifi.com i got my amp from there, they did me a really good deal almost half price off my amp. They sell heaps different brands there like marantz and stuff, if not talk to the bloke there and ask his suggestions as found him pretty good and he will give you a good deal for it aswell.

I see AUS dealers selling Chinese gear at good prices.