Budget Amplifiers

[StevieC]

In a fortnight I'm intending replacing my ageing amp (I've got a few days leave and the other half hasn't so I can spend lots of time gazing around hi-fi shops). So far I've narrowed it down to a choice of three - Rotel RA04, NAD 326BEE or Marantz PM6002. Plugged into it will be Marantz CD5400 (a few years old now but still works perfectly), Project Debut III turntable and a Sony RDR-HXD890 HDD/DVD recorder.

As the Rotel doesn't have a remote (not essential but handy) and I believe the NAD doesn't have a phono input (so would have to buy separate pre-amp) I'm inclined to go for the Marantz PM6002 - any reasons why I shouldn't?

Other factors that will probably influence things - the room is only small, I don't like a sound that is on the thin side or too bright and I absolutely hate excessive ssssibalancccce! Current speakers can be ignored as I'm planning on replacing those in October.

Now is anyone going to upset my plans and put me back to square one? Any suggestions/comments welcome (there might be an amp out there I've not even thought of). Likewise any suggestions for suitable speakers would be appreciated, not done much research in that area yet but how about Monitor Audio BR1's?

Sorry if I've waffled on a bit but the constraints of my budget usually mean that once I've bought something I'm stuck with it for years so I do need to do a fair bit of research before making a decision.

 

[matthewpiano]

Given your preferences I'd certainly think the Marantz could be a good buy, although as ever I would press upon you the importance of an audition with your CD player and the speakers you are interested in, and a selection of CDs that you are familiar with.

Audition the NAD as well. Its firmer in the bass end than the Marantz and cleaner at the top end. You might just like what it does. The MA Bronze series works very well with NAD, but I'd try to go for the BR2s rather than the BR1s.

 

[Cypher]

The NAD C326BEE is a fine amp. It could be more accurate sounding though, it sounds a bit loose if you know what I mean.

You can't go wrong with the Rotel RA-04, just a fantastic amp for the money. The sound is extremely accurate but stil it's sounds very musical.

If you're interested in the Marantz, maybe you could try the new PM6003 ?

 

[the record spot]

Marantz kit is generally on the (either) neutral or brighter side of things. If you have existing kit that leans this way too, then you might want to reconsider the 6002. I'd be keen to hear that Rotel though; punches well above its' weight. Another amp that might be worth a look is the new Harman-Kardon HK980. It's had a few decent reviews, not yet in WHFS&V and retails for the same money. Very healthy spec however and should have more than enough under the bonnet. Not heard it myself, but would shortlist if I was buying now.

(£249 at Richer Sounds, but higher elsewhere I should clarify).

 

[smuggs]

i have the br1's as my rears and if you have a small lounge/ listening area you would fine to be fair, the br2's are alot better if you turn the volume up but i would say the rotel is my choice it looks sexy and ive listened to it with my br5's and it was very good.

 

[the record spot]

Or you can go vintage...!

 

[a91gti]

Yep, second hand/vintage is a good way to get great sound for less bucks.

 

[StevieC]

I did consider the Harmon-Kardon a while ago but a couple of things put me off it. At the time I couldn't find anyone that had even heard one let alone bought one. Also, I believe it's rated at 100w per channel and thought it might be a bit over the top for what I need.

One other thing, (and this may just be me being typically cynical) can a 100w per channel amp be that cheap and still be any good? Must admit though it did sound interesting on paper at least, might have to try and organise a listen to one.

Thank you for your input.

 

[plastic penguin]

StevieC:

In a fortnight I'm intending replacing my ageing amp (I've got a few days leave and the other half hasn't so I can spend lots of time gazing around hi-fi shops). So far I've narrowed it down to a choice of three - Rotel RA04, NAD 326BEE or Marantz PM6002. Plugged into it will be Marantz CD5400 (a few years old now but still works perfectly), Project Debut III turntable and a Sony RDR-HXD890 HDD/DVD recorder.

As the Rotel doesn't have a remote (not essential but handy) and I believe the NAD doesn't have a phono input (so would have to buy separate pre-amp) I'm inclined to go for the Marantz PM6002 - any reasons why I shouldn't?

Other factors that will probably influence things - the room is only small, I don't like a sound that is on the thin side or too bright and I absolutely hate excessive ssssibalancccce! Current speakers can be ignored as I'm planning on replacing those in October.

Now is anyone going to upset my plans and put me back to square one? Any suggestions/comments welcome (there might be an amp out there I've not even thought of). Likewise any suggestions for suitable speakers would be appreciated, not done much research in that area yet but how about Monitor Audio BR1's?

Sorry if I've waffled on a bit but the constraints of my budget usually mean that once I've bought something I'm stuck with it for years so I do need to do a fair bit of research before making a decision.

I agree with the Marantz. If you have a 'soft spot' for the Rotel RA-04 and want a remote, look at the RA-05. Exactly the same as the 04 with the addition of a remote control.

If you don't mind going s/hand Arcam A65+ is a good'un.

 

[the record spot]

StevieC:
I did consider the Harmon-Kardon a while ago but a couple of things put me off it. At the time I couldn't find anyone that had even heard one let alone bought one. Also, I believe it's rated at 100w per channel and thought it might be a bit over the top for what I need.

One other thing, (and this may just be me being typically cynical) can a 100w per channel amp be that cheap and still be any good? Must admit though it did sound interesting on paper at least, might have to try and organise a listen to one.

Thank you for your input.

Well, it's an 80-watt amp and RRP is around £350. The new Cambridge Audio 650A is also about 80w I think and that's £350 in Richer Sounds. You could try the pair out. Mind you, £250/£350 will get you a very good amp, bordering on high end, if you go down the used kit route.

Also, bear in mind that the wattage isn't the issue; it might go loud but you don't have to play it turned up to 11! And in any case, it's a good thing to have enough "on tap".

 

[matthewpiano]

Don't dismiss the Harman Kardon. I suspect it could be well worth a listen. Sometimes its all too easy to be put off because a product hasn't been reviewed, or by reading one less favourable review, but you have to trust your own ears in the end. I've always liked HK stuff.

If you go 2nd hand I would personally advise against the A65+ (sorry PP). I had one a few years ago and tried the A70 after that for a while. The A65+ is the better of the two but they are both boring to listen to. That is not to say, however, that you should write Arcam out of the equation. An Alpha 9 or 10 in good fettle, or an A85, would be well worth seeking out. At their best Arcam make some superb kit.

My other suggestion would be to try the Rega Brio 3. Its a stunning little amp. Very musical indeed. In fact its probably my favourite budget amplifier, as long as you don't want ear-bleeding volume levels.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Yup

2nd hand all the way for me as well.

Amp shortlist should be:

- Arcam Alpha 9 or 10 integrated (and can be paired with a matching power amp at a later date if the speakers can be bi-amped)
- NAD C352 or C320BEE (dependant upon what speakers youre going to use)
- Arcam DiVA A85 integrated (again can be paired with matching power amp at a later date)
- Cyrus III integrated - Brilliant little amp
- Rotel RA-04 (or RA-05 if you require a remote)