Picking a budget amp

[Shrek]

Hello all,

I am picking a budget-friendly amp and I would like to know your opinions. Here are some candidates at the moment:
- NAD C328 (used, 350 €)
- Marantz PM6005 (used, 300 €)
- Yamaha S-A301 (new, 400 €)
- Older amp like Sony TA-F 530 ES (used, about 150-200 €)

The system will be used for music listening in my 5x4 m living room. It's going to drive Dali Zensors 1, with a possible later upgrade to Zensor 3 or similar. I am going to add a Wiim Mini for Airplay streaming and use its digital output (except with Sony where only analogue connection is possible).

Currently I have a little Denon M39 with the Zensors and I find them quite nice, although slightly inclined to the bright side, presumably because of the Denon signature.

WHF dislikes NAD C338, although other reviews seem to praise it. C328 is the only one here with class D and, judging by many online sources, there should not be a noticeable difference in SQ vs. the AB class in this price range nowadays. Marantz seems like a good bet also. Yamaha wins with the looks and has quite good opinions in the value-for-money section. ES is here because of the occasional nice comments and the lower price that also allows for upgrade in some other element.

What do you think?

Marantz sound great well built Simple .

 

[gasolin]

You should be able to find a new Marantz PM 6007 for 400 euros, that is what i payed for mine, €300 is a bad deal when a new can be has for €400 (in Denmark)

 

[Rodolfo]

Hello all,

I am picking a budget-friendly amp and I would like to know your opinions. Here are some candidates at the moment:
- NAD C328 (used, 350 €)
- Marantz PM6005 (used, 300 €)
- Yamaha S-A301 (new, 400 €)
- Older amp like Sony TA-F 530 ES (used, about 150-200 €)

The system will be used for music listening in my 5x4 m living room. It's going to drive Dali Zensors 1, with a possible later upgrade to Zensor 3 or similar. I am going to add a Wiim Mini for Airplay streaming and use its digital output (except with Sony where only analogue connection is possible).

Currently I have a little Denon M39 with the Zensors and I find them quite nice, although slightly inclined to the bright side, presumably because of the Denon signature.

WHF dislikes NAD C338, although other reviews seem to praise it. C328 is the only one here with class D and, judging by many online sources, there should not be a noticeable difference in SQ vs. the AB class in this price range nowadays. Marantz seems like a good bet also. Yamaha wins with the looks and has quite good opinions in the value-for-money section. ES is here because of the occasional nice comments and the lower price that also allows for upgrade in some other element.

What do you think?

I think "budget-friendly" is the best strategy. And used: It takes a certain know-how, and especially patience and luck, but used electronics are or can be great buys indeed. Six of my 11 or so current pieces are like-new gems to/for me. People are regularly trading up, including some who have barely used their equipment. Excellent condition and maintenance are basics, and I always screen for original owners, user manuals, and remote controls where relevant.

Go with, shop for features you want -and I'd worry least about "class D" among them. Otherwise, you'll just keep shopping, taking time away from your music- appreciation purpose.

I like and have shopped for Sony ES myself: my main CD player is a second ES unit -a used one that replaced a new one that lasted > 30 years. I've also loved/appreciated Rotel, Mission/Cyrus, Martin-Logan, Technics, Yamaha, and Onkyo -all of which I currently own and regularly recommend. Enjoy your shopping!

 

[My2Cents]

Post is 15 months old. OP has stated that he has it sorted (see post #20).