Recomend me a super cheapy amp!

[admin_exported]

Ive been wanting a decent set of speakers and amp for use in my study with my pc but currently im very low on cash so ive had to be a bit stealthy with my money, basically scouring ebay for badly listed items!

How does a like new pair of Mission M30's for £35 delivered sound? Im hoping they will do just the job, anyone had a listen? They should be here next week.

So basically what would be a good cheapy amp to stick with them? Prob looking 2nd hand here so ebay links welcomed!

Thanks people!

 

[John Duncan]

Rotel 820 series, Arcam Alpha 2, NAD 3020 variants, Creek CAS4040.

40 quid and under.

 

[Anonymous]

cyrus one

 

[John Duncan]

Good call, if you can hack the aesthetics.

 

[Anonymous]

matt444_2000:cyrus one

That would be perfect, the small size and retro looks are spot on.

What sort of sound doe these give? I really dont like softer sounding stuff.

Is there anything i should look out for with older kit like that?

 

[the record spot]

In the main, older gear obviously takes a bit of use over time, so even at throwaway money (less than £50 and no disrespect to anyone who thinks that £50 is anything but throwaway money, but in hi-fi terms it's peanuts), you still want to get plenty of detail from the seller if there's any crackle from the volume control when it's used, do the knobs work as expected (e.g. NAD 3020 variants, less of an issue with the Cyrus range), are the rear connections in good order, etc, etc. All the usual stuff you'd look out for.

Some good amps in John's list up there; brings the memories right back - I have a NAD 3020A which is waiting some TLC and it's got a lovely sound. Really was a great amp in its' day. Good phono stage for a budget amp too. The Rotel range is consistently good over the years too.

Check out the classifieds in some of the other hifi magazines too - you might turn up a bit of a steal there buying privately (no Ebay fees or retailer's VAT to cover, etc).

 

[John Duncan]

mrbungle:matt444_2000:cyrus one

That would be perfect, the small size and retro looks are spot on.

What sort of sound doe these give? I really dont like softer sounding stuff.

Is there anything i should look out for with older kit like that?

From my auditioning memory of, like, 1984-6, it was 'punchy' rather than 'soft' - I went for the soft Creek, which was lovely, if a pain in the butt because of its din socket connections.

 

[fatboyslimfast]

I've still got a rotel 820A - a cracking little amp available for peanuts. And even at 25-yrs old, is completely reliable - no noisy pots, dodgy switches etc...

If memory serves me though, the Cyrus has a better (damn good in fact) phono stage than the 820A if that is important...

 

[d_a_n1979]

Yeah the Cyrus 1 would be good.

Have you considered saving a bit more and maybe looking at an Arcam alpha 5 oor 6 integrated amp. Both can be got on eBay for less than £80.

 

[Anonymous]

Or a 1980's JVC Super Class-A?