Amplifier ideas? secondhand?

[plycrsk]

Hi All,

Have decided on rega rp1 as my starter turntable. Probably going to pair up with q acoustics 2020i speakers. Really have no idea about an amplifier though, had a look at a couple of Rotel RA-04/SE's on ebay, but not 100% sure this would be a good idea.

Budget is probably £200 for amp, but would ideally like to spend £100-£150. secondhand i feel this is definitely doable

Sam

 

[plycrsk]

looking at http://www.whathifi.com/review/cambridge-audio-azur-340a-se/specs also

tech specs say MM phono in - NO. does this mean i need to buy a phono preamp as well?
it says integrated on manufacturer website, which i thought meant it had a built in preamp.
am i getting confused between a preamp and a phono stage?

thank you all.

 

[tomlinscote]

a pre-amp and a phono amp are not the same things, a pre-amp sets the volume tone and input for passing the signal to the power section of an integrated amp whereas a phono amp converts the phono level RIAA signal into a line level singal ready for the pre-amp to deal with. If the CA amp does not have a phono input then you will need a phono stage inbetween the TT and the Integrated amp.

Tommo

 

[matthewpiano]

Personally I'd go for the Rotel out of those two. Rotel make tremendous affordable amps and the RA-04SE is a great example with a good phono stage and better overall quality than the Cambridge 340.

You might also wish to look at used Arcam amps - A65+, A85, Alpha 8R, Alpha 9. All have excellent phono stages and, although not always the most instantly impressive amps they really can satisfy on a long listening session. The best integrated phono stage I've had was the one on my A65+.

 

[davidpr]

Have a look at a new Onkyo A9030 from Richer Sounds at £169. The phono stage is not good but at this price the amp is a good buy.

 

[plycrsk]

Thanks all. Looking at rotel ra-04se, marantz pm6003/4, arcam a65+ at the moment. seeing what i can find on ebay.
Will take a look at the Onkyo, thank you.

Sam

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Personally I'd go for the Rotel out of those two. Rotel make tremendous affordable amps and the RA-04SE is a great example with a good phono stage and better overall quality than the Cambridge 340.

You might also wish to look at used Arcam amps - A65+, A85, Alpha 8R, Alpha 9. All have excellent phono stages and, although not always the most instantly impressive amps they really can satisfy on a long listening session. The best integrated phono stage I've had was the one on my A65+.

At the mentioned amps above I just add two, a Rega Brio 3 if you can get your hands in one don't think back!

And a NAD they do have very nice phono stage, I speak for my old but in good shape 3020i ( just £40 on ebay) but with your budget you can buy some thing more recent.

:cheers:

 

[plycrsk]

like the look of the 3020i actually. as i'm starting out, if i could help it i'd rather spend £50 than £200 on an amp.
it's quite easy to get carried away and go from spending £500 on a system to £900.

 

[MakkaPakka]

You might also wish to look at used Arcam amps - A65+, A85, Alpha 8R, Alpha 9. All have excellent phono stages and, although not always the most instantly impressive amps they really can satisfy on a long listening session. The best integrated phono stage I've had was the one on my A65+.

Actually the A85 doesn't have a phono stage - it was an optional extra. That said, it's probably outside the poster's budget so unlikely to get caught out.

 

[BigH]

like the look of the 3020i actually. as i'm starting out, if i could help it i'd rather spend £50 than £200 on an amp.
it's quite easy to get carried away and go from spending £500 on a system to £900.

Always a difficult one, spend less and then upgrade sooner or spend more and keep for longer. MAybe visit a second hand dealer and hear some of this gear? My advise is upgrade in big long steps rather lots of smaller shorter ones.

 

[matt49]

like the look of the 3020i actually. as i'm starting out, if i could help it i'd rather spend £50 than £200 on an amp.
it's quite easy to get carried away and go from spending £500 on a system to £900.

Are you within reach of London? If so you might be interested in dropping me an e-mail at matthew.g.bell AT gmail.com.

Matt

 

[iQ Speakers]

I've just replaced my RA04 I can now appreciate what a really good amp it is.

You won't be dissapointed.

 

[plycrsk]

Probably going to run a rega rp1, q acoustics 2020i and looking at an arcam a65+,
very new to this, but are there any obvious concerns with this setup?

Thank you all,

Sam