Budget integrated amp

[mark mays]

Will soon be in the market for a stereo intergrated to use with marantz cs5004 and wharfedale diamond 220. Using my onkyo sr608 on zone 2 as my amp ar the moment. Seen some great prices around. Obviously onkyo a9010 on shortlist. Denon pma720ae for £150. Pioneer a30 for around £200. Will be wanting a phono stage for next purchase. Any other ideas welcome.

 

[rainsoothe]

Hi. The denon is very nice for the price, and I think it has a phonostage as well. Also check Nad C316 bee, no phono. But I would look at Marantz PM6005 for the dac as well, which would take your CDP to a whole new level. It also has a good phonostage. And, while you're at it, test it with Dali zensor 3 - it's a match made in heaven, and might be worth ditching your Wharfedale for.

 

[mark mays]

Thanks for reply. My mistake in typing. I have the Cd5005 which has same dac as pm/cd6005 which is why I went for it. Didn't need digital in of more expensive model. Funny I had a pair of dali Zensor 1 for couple of weeks but found them too bright in my system so swapped for diamond 220. Want to keep them really and use all my (limited) cash on best amp. ☺

 

[rainsoothe]

well onkyo are pretty bright sounding, so that's the culprit. People describe the wharfedale to be pretty shut in, so it must be a good match with the Onkyo. The Denon is in the same category, and it's a good amp for the money. But try and audition a Nad C316 as well, might work perfectly with your Wharfedales and upgrade to Dali or whatever you decide later. And pair that with a Graham Slee Communicator or Nad phonostage.

 

[nexski]

I would go for the Pioneer over Denon as it have more clarity, punch and more controlled bass as compared to Denon. Denon on the other ends seem more laid back and soft round the edge.

 

[mark mays]

Thanks for replys. Will Defo try a nad. Have a Sevenoaks near so can try nad and onkyo a9010. Perhaps I should try cambridge audio as I think they're on the bright side too? Seen some great prices on some clearance stuff recently on the azur range. Used to have mordaunt short 902i with marantz gear. That worked well, wish I had kept it all in hindsight!

 

[knaithrover]

The Nad C316bee or Marantz PM6005 are imo the best you can get on a budget, unless you go 2nd hand.

 

[peterpiper]

the onkyo 9010uk is better sounding than the denon pma720, imo, heard it, the denon sounds hard and tiring, I have the denon but putting it on fleabay. the onkyo more natural, I was reading a review by andrew everard? , title, 'can a budget amp sound this good',,,,yes was the conclusion

here is the link

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/feature/can-a-%C2%A3200-amp-really-be-this-good-andrew-everard-says-it-definitely-can

 

[Tibor]

I would buy Onkyo A 9010 UK or NAD 316 BEE (both on the warm side, if you like it)

But I think Denon PMA 720 or Pioneer A 30 will be also good with Warfedale (never bright or harsh speaker)

-second option: used Marantz PM 6004 or NAD C 326BEE, both are excelent amps

 

[mark mays]

Hi. Yeah I read that article the other day too. He was rather impressed with the onkyo. I must admit I have been pleased with my sr608. Few years old now and never had a problem with it and performs well in its surround duties. I'm just craving more music again.

 

[gasolin]

Marantz PM6005 much more open sound, but also a tendency to sound bright and thin, not shure why people and whathifi recommend them with the bright sounding dali zensor 1/3 speakers

Nad C316BEE more neutral and for the size i think it has a lot of power