Amplifier or Stereo Receiver

[Josh Broughton]

Hi,
I am looking to upgrade my amp and speakers (see my other post in the speakers section - http://forums.audioreview.com/showthread.php?t=33875 ) but i don't know what to go for.

If possible i'd like to go with Harman Kardon, but do i go for amp or stereo receiver?

I will be using it for a CD player, Tuner, and my Macbook (aux out).

I probably would be able to answer my own question but i can't get onto the Harman Kardon website at the minute.... my internets really picky.... I need to know the main differences between the two so that i can make up my mind

Any help is much appreciated thanks
Josh

[blackraven]

If you go with a power amp you will need a separate preamp. A receiver has an amp and preamp all in one. If your HK receiver is working well then I would consider upgrading your speakers first and buy the best speakers that you could afford.

If you feel you must upgrade to a power amp take a look at www.emotiva.com they have 2ch and multichannel amps and processors at great prices. A lot of people around here own Emotiva gear. In fact, your may just want to upgrade you speakers and CD player and go with an Emotiva ERC-1 CD player (its gotten great reviews) unless you plan on using music downloads on your computer for most of your listening.

[Josh Broughton]

thanks for the reply, my current HK is working fine, but should i be upgrading the speakers if its only 30W?
my current speakers have a max of 120W, so would it be better to keep those, then buy the reciever/amp or to just upgrade speakers first?

[markw]

A "Power Amp" (or "amp") generally has no controls. Just inputs and outputs for speakers.

A "Preamp" has controls but canot drive speakers. It needs to be connected to a power amp.

An "Integrated Amp" is both a preamp and a power amp in one box.

A "Receiver" is an integrated amp and a tuner in one box.

There are some decent stereo receivers out there. There's a lot more AV units, though.

What do you want?

[blackraven]

Josh, what is your budget? Once we know that then we can make some suggestions.

[Josh Broughton]

A "Power Amp" (or "amp") generally has no controls. Just inputs and outputs for speakers.

A "Preamp" has controls but canot drive speakers. It needs to be connected to a power amp.

An "Integrated Amp" is both a preamp and a power amp in one box.

A "Receiver" is an integrated amp and a tuner in one box.

There are some decent stereo receivers out there. There's a lot more AV units, though.

What do you want?

I think integrated amp sounds about right, thanks for that


Josh, what is your budget? Once we know that then we can make some suggestions.

i'd say £500. i could probably stretch to £700-£750 max. but i'd rather have some money left over

[Josh Broughton]

oh and for those of you working in US$ thats about $760 preferably, and could maybe stretch to about $1000 - $1150

[blackraven]

If you are doing just 2ch, take a look at the Onkyo A-9555, around $600 U.S. Unfortunately it is discontinued, lord knows why because it got very good reviews and some one here owns one and loves it. The U.K. version has more power. You may be able to find it still. The Cambridge Audio 740A is still probably a better amp though.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=A-9555&class=Amplifier&p=s

This Cambridge Audio 740A integrated amp is nice. It would pair nicely with the 740c/840c/650c, Rega Apollo CDP's.

http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/cambridge-audio/azur-740a/camb-azur-740a-sil

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/specifications.php?PID=273&Title=Specifications

I use to own a Cambridge Audio 840c CDP and it was a very nice sounding player.

Here are a couple of others to consider-

http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/nad/c355bee/nad-c355bee-tit

http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/yamaha/a-s700/yama-as700bl

Marantz PM8003 which will have a warmer sound.

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/amplifiers/marantz-pm8003-478397/review


If I had my choice, I would spring for the CA 740A. More power, better dynamics, great build quality. Has high quality matching CD players. Comes in Black or silver.

Good Luck and happy hunting,

Larry finally defrosted in Minnesota!

[Josh Broughton]

thanks for your help blackraven, i'll give these a look

[blackraven]

Let us know what you decided to buy and give a review on it.