Best amp under £300?

[admin_exported]

Hi, new here and haven't had a separate hi-fi since leaving home, nigh on 15 years ago, and now itching to get into it again and re-discover my vinyls. First thing first, can anyone recommend a good amp for under £300? I listen mainly to rock/alternative/metal but don't mind a bit of jazzy or classical every now and then. Likely to be mainly from vinyls and the odd CV, so will need to have phono input. Ideally would like something warm but crisp at the same time and with a good bass.

So far looked at Yamaha AS500, MarantzPM6004 and Cambridge Audio Azur A340 (but also second hand Cambridge Audio A5)

Any help much appreciated!

(P.s. any suggestions on turntables also welcome - speakers I am thinking of Wharfedale diamond 9.0 or 9.1)

Enrico

 

[CarlDW]

The Rotel RA-10 has a good phono stage and is a great amp at £350 (I know slightly over budget but try ex-dem).

If you could stretch a little more, the Rega Brio-R is hard to beat.

Speaker wise, the Wharfedale 9.1 are the better option, but I would suggest spending a little more on the Dali Zensor 1 at least.

 

[Blackdawn]

Pioneer A30 for the amp. I'd go for Dali speakers as well. If you go for Cambridge Audio go for the Azur range.