Which Budget Amp

[StevenKay]

Budget Amp - Which One?

I want to buy the best Stereo Amp possible within a budget of around 300 Pounds. I have the following Amps in mind:

Marantz PM6003

Yamaha AS500

Rotel RA04 SE

NAD C326BEE

I am not in a position to audition any of them before buying and have to order one for home delivery. Can anyone having used / auditioned one or more of these Amps please guide and advice as to which one would be the best buy in terms of performance - fidelity, clarity, separation, soundstage - all around winner - for the money involved (around 300 pounds).

I listen to all kinds of music, hard rock and classical included and want to buy a true performer as close to reality as possible.

Many thanks.

Steven Kay

 

[eggontoast]

What speakers, source are you using ?

 

[matthewpiano]

Home delivery precludes consideration of the Marantz and Rotel amps because they are not allowed to be sold online or by mail order. Is there no way that you can get to a dealer?

I've owned all four of these amps and the differences aren't as massive as you might think - they are more down to differences of taste rather than all-out ability. An audition is pretty important here.

So that we can try to advise better, what other equipment are you using?

 

[StevenKay]

At the moment I am using KLH 911 B speakers and Sony CDP XE300 player which I plan upgrading to as under:

Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 Speakers or Monitor Audio Bronze BX2

Marantz CD6003

Thanks for your help.

 

[the record spot]

For the money, I'll nominate some active speakers, which you've perhaps not considered. The likes of Yamaha's HS80, KRK's Rokit 5 or 6 and Roland's DS7 are three that come in your radar. All worth a look if only to be rejected. The active speaker combines the amp in the speaker housing, some of which also provide a DAC (as the DS7 does for instance).

 

[StevenKay]

the record spot

Thanks. I shall definitely consider these.

 

[matthewpiano]

Given your varied musical tastes I would be inclined to look at the Marantz PM6003 and the Rotel RA-04SE. Of all the amps at this price point they are the most gregarious and both produce an involving and enjoyable sound whatever you play through it. They are neither too bright or too dark sounding tonally, and soundstage clearly and with stability without becoming tiresome to listen to. Overall the Marantz is slightly more subtle than the Rotel. The RA-04SE is a less smooth and more exciting listen.

The NAD C326BEE is a very fluid and organic sounding amp, even more so than the Marantz, but the bass can dominate things a little and it is more revealing of poor recordings. There is plenty of punch though and it can be very foot tapping with a good rhythm.

The Yamaha A-S500 has the most explicit levels of detail and also the most explicit soundstaging but isn't as involving as the NAD, Marantz or Rotel. It is well balanced tonally and very easy to match with different speakers.

 

[plastic penguin]

Budget Amp - Which One?

I want to buy the best Stereo Amp possible within a budget of around 300 Pounds. I have the following Amps in mind:

Marantz PM6003

Yamaha AS500

Rotel RA04 SE

NAD C326BEE

I am not in a position to audition any of them before buying and have to order one for home delivery. Can anyone having used / auditioned one or more of these Amps please guide and advice as to which one would be the best buy in terms of performance - fidelity, clarity, separation, soundstage - all around winner - for the money involved (around 300 pounds).

I listen to all kinds of music, hard rock and classical included and want to buy a true performer as close to reality as possible.

Many thanks.

Steven Kay

For what reason can't you audition? is it a lack of dealers within close proximity or are you based in some far away country?

 

[Anonymous]

The Yamaha A-S500 has the most explicit levels of detail and also the most explicit soundstaging but isn't as involving as the NAD, Marantz or Rotel. It is well balanced tonally and very easy to match with different speakers.

Gotta agree on this. A-S500 is very detailed but to me, it just doesnt feel that musical or involving (as matthew said) as other amps.

 

[GCE]

I need the same advice of Stevenkay, but i'am more interested about Yam A S500

I have old B&W with metal tweeter: can I go for Yam or You think that it 'll be to much high or middle freq in sound? can you explain

: A-S500 has the most explicit levels of detail and also the most explicit soundstaging but isn't as involving as the NAD, Marantz or Rotel. It is well balanced tonally - thanks a lot

 

[Cypher]

I would go for the Nad C326 or Marantz PM6003. Very musical amps.

I don't like the A-S500 at all, you get tired listening to it.

 

[StevenKay]

matthewpiano

That's a very helpful review of each of the Amps under reference. I have made a note of your opinion and recommendations. It would greatly help me to make a selection. Cheers!

 

[StevenKay]

Cypher

Thanks. That nearly eliminates Yamaha A-S500 from the short-list.

 

[StevenKay]

JezBaker

Thanks for your views. That nearly throws out Yamaha form the list.

 

[csq2]

Get the NAD it's the best out of the four. A step up would be CA 650A.

 

[Anonymous]

if your willing to look second hand...nad c370 and audiolab 8000a, arcam alpha 9, arcam alpha 10 can be had for around the same price and are, as far as im aware a class above these amps, please someone with more knowledge confirm this, but i think its right.

 

[Blackdawn]

running 123, I think your right about the second hand choices you give but looks like the OP wants a new amp rather than a second hand one which could break down any time and has no warranty (unless ex dem usually).

 

[Blackdawn]

I'd probably go for the Marantz out of those bunch as it will get on well with the CDP.

 

[StevenKay]

Blackdawn

Hi

Thanks.

I am inclined to go with your recommendation about Marantz. Earlier too I have used a Marantz amplifier and had no complaints whatsoever about its performance.

 

[StevenKay]

running123

Thanks. I have just cheked on the net and there are some great reviews to be found about the ones you have suggested. Although I want to buy a brand new Amp but I shall like to find the availability and price of of Nad C370 and Audiolab 8000A.

 

[Anonymous]

If you're serious about Monitor Audio speakers then I wouldn't consider the Marantz. Monitor Audio can be a fatiguing listen with the wrong amp, so the NAD would be a safer bet.

 

[StevenKay]

plastic penguin

Sorry I missed answering your question earlier. You are absolutely right... I am indeed based in a far away country where I do not have many options for an audition. I shall be asking a close friend in the UK (London) to pick the Amp for me along with a pair of speakers based on the recommendations made here. I have a feeling I won't go too wrong in my selection.

 

[edko]

Hi,

I felt in love with the BX2 at a shop I heard them with a Marantz CD6002 and NAD 325BEE.

I'm waiting them to have the lastest iteration of that (Marantz CD6003 and NAD 326BEE).

In the meantime I'm also testing your list of amps and I'm wondering why are you missing the Rega Brio 3 ?

Anyone knows if the BX2 matches well the Rega Brio 3 and which CD player with that (CD6003 - NAD 545) ?

 

[sjoerd35]

Hey,

I'm planning on buying B&W865 S2's or Dyanaudio DM 2/7

Which Amplifier do you guys recommend? I want to be able to play my Iphone on it, my turntable, digital audio for the TV and i want 2 zones.

Thanks in advance!

Sjoerd

 

[robg1976]

Mathew has got this spot on..................Depends on your choice of course, But he is right iv had a nad C352 amp really great sounding amp but the bass does dominate the sound, i replaced it with a Rotel RA 05 SE like the Nad very dynamic and great sounding amp but the Rotel just seems to controll the bass better with all types of music