After many suggestions on a decent budget integrated the likes of nad 316 bee, onkyo a9010, and of course marantz pm6005 I keep coming back to the pioneer a30. It looks the business, got a phono stage and sensible power but it's the one amp I can't audition. Found one for £180 new and delivered which seems a bargain. Reviews are far and few between. Anyone got one or heard one?
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Pioneer a30
- Thread starter mark mays
- Start date
Al ears
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- Nov 23, 2008
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mark mays said:
Yes, it's not brilliant I would take the Marantz. However, if you can get it for that price, and it has the facilities you need then it is a good buy. I wouldn't say that at its £249 rrp though.
At £180 it's better than most amps that are going for that amount,always assuming you want to avoid second-hand ones.
matthewpiano
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- Nov 23, 2007
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The A30 is a very good affordable amp. I had one for a while and enjoyed it.
The only thing I would say is that the A400 is a better amp and available second hand within your budget. The only potential pitfall is the greater likelihood of it needing repair at some point due to age, but it is a fantastic amp and still competes with most amps below £1k without trouble.
The only thing I would say is that the A400 is a better amp and available second hand within your budget. The only potential pitfall is the greater likelihood of it needing repair at some point due to age, but it is a fantastic amp and still competes with most amps below £1k without trouble.
OK. Thanks. What would be best used amps? Apart from the a400 previously mentioned which I will look into.
MeanandGreen
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- Dec 26, 2012
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mark mays said:
Personally I'd be looking at amps like the NAD C370, C350 or C320 BEE.
Also Pioneer A-656 or A-757.
I have to say that used gear has its worries. What may appear a bargain may have its possible expensive faults sooner or later. At least new has its guarantee merits.
... according to lab test Pioneer A-30 power is 2 x 72 watts @ 8 Ohms and 2 x 107 watts @ 4 Ohms, got excellent noise and dynamics results... also this amp is recommended by Alan Shaw to power his Harbeth speakers.
other more expensive amps out there - like rega elicit - in lab tests got bit more power [ 2 x 96 watts @ 8 Ohms and 2 x 142 watts @ 4 Ohms] but far worse noise and dynamics than this pioneer..
this pioneer is a better buy than arcam a-19, mentioned rega elicit or brio, marantz pm6005 and just as good as creek evolution 50a or audiolab 8300a.
other more expensive amps out there - like rega elicit - in lab tests got bit more power [ 2 x 96 watts @ 8 Ohms and 2 x 142 watts @ 4 Ohms] but far worse noise and dynamics than this pioneer..
this pioneer is a better buy than arcam a-19, mentioned rega elicit or brio, marantz pm6005 and just as good as creek evolution 50a or audiolab 8300a.
MeanandGreen
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lpv said:
Would you be able to provide a link to the tests? I'd be interested in having a look 🙂
Polish website.. http://audio.com.pl/testy/stereo/wzmacniacze-stereo/981-pioneer-a-30
under every article there's short lab test results.. you can choose - from the drop down menu - next amplifier to compare.
under every article there's short lab test results.. you can choose - from the drop down menu - next amplifier to compare.
pioneer a-30. power rating it's not a matter of your or my thinking.. it's a matter of lab test results. don't be mislead by low price - in fact we should be all happy we can buy this sort of quality amplifier for that sort of money. on the other end you have underpowered sugden amps for which innocent pay top money and they happy with the distortion they have in return. but saying this sort of opinions on this forum is like saying god doesnt exist on Sunday mass. amen.
OK. Thanks everyone for your advice and seems that the a30 has started some debate. I ended up with the onkyo a9010 for £170. Pleasing sound with the wharfedale, quite a mature sound but seems to have enough punch and get up and go when needed. Here's to some decent listening sessions as it warms up. Cheers.
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