Let's Pretend

[Ryissa]

Pretend you are me on a limited budget. Thinking I really need to replace my amp. Realistically I might get together $300 to spend. Optimistically $500.

What would you be looking out for.

No turntable.

I like my CDs. A lot. (Classical and classic rock)

Occasionally I'll put movies on through the system, but probably don't care about that.

Radio is a must.

Need to figure out how to rig up my digital stuff, but this is a secondary concern.

Do have my Marrantz HD880 speakers to drive .

What would you be on the lookout for and why?

(Be gentle. I know good sound when I hear it. I can hook things up properly and even made my own loop antenna. But really, most of this stuff is Greek to me).

[JoeE SP9]

What will you be using to play CD's/DVD's?
Do you want surround sound capability or just two channel stereo?

[Ryissa]

What will you be using to play CD's/DVD's?
Do you want surround sound capability or just two channel stereo?

From what little I understand there is no real advantage going over 2 channels on most systems, especially on a budget. (Correct me anytime here). I really just want good sound.

CDs at moment are played on standard old-school JVC CD player. (Open to suggestions for what to move up to on my basement budget).

In my area there is a Sony TAF 700ES as well as a Yamaha RX V7675. 7.2 amplifier (both offered around $300 mark).

My heart is not set on either one, but interesting to here people's opinions on both.

There is also a set of Arcam A38 integrated amplifier and the CD37 SACD/CD player for combined price of $1500 (which I wish I could break down and justify, but I can't).

Comments and alternative suggestions welcome.

[blackraven]

The Arcam would be the way to go. You may want to take a look at the Harmon Kardon HK 3700 receiver. It is high current with plenty of power and has a built in DAC if you want to play computer music. It is within your budget of $300-$500.



Amazon.com: Harman Kardon HK 3700 2-Channel Stereo Receiver with Network Connectivity: Electronics


Integrated amps to consider are the Marantz PM 6005 or 6004, Cambridge Audio 651 and the Teac AX-501. You can usually find these with big discounts. The Marantz PM 6005 has a built in DAC.

[JoeE SP9]

I'll add the Yamaha AS-501 to the integrated amplifier suggestions from blackraven.

[blackraven]

Here are 2 others to consider-

The Onkyo TX-8050 receiver. It also has a built in DAC for digital music.

Amazon.com: Onkyo TX-8050 Network Stereo Receiver (Black): Electronics


Harmon Kardon HK 3770 which is the way to go if you are going to use digital or computer music. It has more digital iinputs and it can be connected to a Windows computer while the 3700 can not (it can only be connected to an IPod)

Amazon.com: Harman Kardon HK 3770 2-Channel Stereo Receiver with Network Connectivity and Bluetooth: Electronics

[Mr Peabody]

To answer one of your questions, in my opinion, of course, Sony receivers pretty much suck, not reliable and sound..... well, not so good. Yamaha is not bad but if movies aren't important why get 7.2 channels you won't use, spend your money on a product that will focus on sound. Yamaha in additional to the integrated does offer a stereo receiver geared more for sound.

some good suggestions were given, I'd ad NAD to the list to look into. I know you don't have the budget but while dreaming look at the Parasound integrated with built in DAC, it's a great value at $2500.00.

If your JVC has a digital output you can make a digital connection to your new amp if it does have a DAC which should upgrade your overall sound.

If a tuner is important and you want a total package at once you will pretty much have to get a receiver.

[blackraven]

Let us know what you decide to get.

Larry

[Ryissa]

Thank you for the suggestions.

I'm still contemplating what to do about the amp/receiver/music situation. I really should have broken down and invested in stuff before kids/houses/cars/living expenses took over my life.

My brother is sitting on an amplifier that I may try to get him to loan me. But other than I think it's a Technics I don't know much about it.

Just got a stupid traffic ticket today that is nearly the same cost as a new amp. Gahhhhhh!!!! (I'm better now).

Will definitely keep you all posted.

Ry.

Let us know what you decide to get.

Larry

[blackraven]

If you are looking for a nice integrated amp, give Peach Tree a look. It has great sound and is a lot of bang for the buck.

Right now they are running a sale-

Amplifier DACs with Tube | Peachtree Audio

The reviews are always positive. I have listened to the 125 and I was impressed.
They are a good gateway into computer audio because they have excellent DAC's built in.

[Ryissa]

Just got speakers back (woot woot) - still in my van so I'll post to my other thread about how awesome they sound.

Repair shop has a Pioneer VSX-D1S for sale for around $165 (cdn). Reviews on the amp seem positive.

Opinions???? Is the price fair?

(There must be a couple of you out there who just want to haul me into a store, point at the right amp, and force me to buy something already )

Thx.
Ry

[blackraven]

That was a beast of a receiver. I can't comment about the price, but make sure that they give you some sort of warranty or guaranty. Old amps and receivers can have problems pop up. You probably can't do better at that price though. See if they take $150. One just sold on Ebay for $199.