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Silver Member Username: TpizzlePost Number: 566 Registered: Apr-05 | I am piecing together a living room setup and need a recommendation for an amp. Without having speakers I know it is a tough question, but I am looking for a general answer. I was thinking about spending approximately $450 and am thinking either a Cambridge Azur 540 or HK 3490. What would you guys recommend? Others brands/models are welcome also. Thanks |
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Gold Member Username: DmitchellOttawa, Ontario Canada Post Number: 3160 Registered: Feb-07 | If these were you're only two choices I'd take the CA over the HK in a heartbeat. I take it this is for a music only system? You may want to look at NAD and Rotel integrateds as well. Deciding on what speakers you want is important, since some speakers don't mesh so well with some amplifiers. |
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Platinum Member Username: NuckPost Number: 13752 Registered: Dec-04 | db, piecing together means hearache |
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Silver Member Username: TpizzlePost Number: 567 Registered: Apr-05 | Its tough investing in something I cant hear first but I live in Montana and have only one hi-fi store within 200 miles, which sells Krell, ML, etc...stuff I can't touch on my budget. Therefore, I have to go off of recommendations. I think what I will do is decide on a combo first instead of "piecing," based on someone who already has the combo. Speaker-wise, I am concentrating on swan, monitor audio, totem, etc. I want to spend around 1k, so I have budgeted around 500-600 for the speaker. It would be for music only and I listen to mostly trance, new age, and soft rock. Anything you have heard/owned that I could get for around 1k I would be all-ears. Thanks again |
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Silver Member Username: TpizzlePost Number: 568 Registered: Apr-05 | Also, I only have background with AV receivers and have not done a 2-channel setup before. Just to clear up - I need an integrated amp, correct? Just making sure I don't buy something and then need something else. Thanks again |
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Silver Member Username: MagfanUSA Post Number: 558 Registered: Oct-07 | db, Some hi-end stores have all the big stuff but also an 'entry level' hi-end line. Near me is a store which carries Rotel and another which carries CA as there entry lines. The 'other' stuff stocked includes Krell, ML, Mac, Pass Labs, Naim, Rega, B&W and much else. Couldn't hurt to call and ask? If you have the space, being a BIG fan of panels I'd say to write to White Bear Lake Minn. and ask 'em to send you some MMG's on trial. Magnepan will let you try 'em for 30 days, on approval. Most good 100/side integrated amps should handle these speakers given it doesn't sound like you are a nosebleed loudness type. |
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Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 10931 Registered: Feb-05 | Given you music preference I would consider a pair of used Totem Rainmakers...I think they would be ideal for trance, new age and soft rock. Usually can be had for $500-600 on the used market at Agon. |
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Silver Member Username: Jazzman71Phoenix, AZ USA Post Number: 938 Registered: Dec-07 | db, While I cannot personally recommend the Rainmakers (have not heard them), I think Art is spot on recommending used on your budget. The fact is you'll get a lot more system, and if you decide something is not for you, you won't take nearly as big a hit when you sell. Can't afford MF, bah. http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1260114648&/Musical-Fidelity-A3- Dual-Mono- http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/musical-fidelity/integrated-amplifiers/a3/PRD_115 992_2717crx.aspx http://www.audioasylum.com/reviews/Integrated-Amplifier-SS/Musical-Fidelity/A3/g eneral/225875.html Looks like a lot of amp for the money, and has decent phono stages built in if you have or decide to get a turntable. http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1260748421&/Soliloquy-5.3 http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/459/index5.html These speakers will also pair nicely with a relatively low powered tube amp if your future explorations take you in that direction. You can also navigate around and find out what others have paired with any amp you are considering. Note, these are not so much recommendations as they are an illustration of the steps I would take as an approach your situation. Yes, you are a disadvantage not being able to go to a shop and listen, but there is a wealth of information on line. If you are in the States, stick with Audiogon. Happy Hunting! |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3014 Registered: Oct-04 | You can land an HK3490 for under $200 from Harman's eBay auctions, or an 3390, 3485 or 3385 for even less (I recently saw a 3390 sell for about $80!), and if you are on a budget, any is an uncompromised choice; you are as likely to prefer the HK to the Cambridge, IMHO. http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Harman-Audio__W0QQ_sidZ26519532?_nkw=3490 http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Harman-Audio__W0QQ_sidZ26519532?_nkw=3390 http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Harman-Audio__W0QQ_sidZ26519532?_nkw=3485 Another great budget choice is the Marantz SR4021 for $199 http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4021/Marantz/Sr4021-Recei ver-80w-X-2ch-Stereo-With-Video-Switching/1.html or if you want to push the budget a bit, the NAD C725BEE for $599 http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/C725Bee.asp . Good luck. |
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Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 10933 Registered: Feb-05 | That NAD is a nice little receiver. |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3015 Registered: Oct-04 | If money wasn't an issue, the NAD would be my first choice. |
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Silver Member Username: HawkbillyNova Scotia Canada Post Number: 707 Registered: Jul-07 | I've heard the NAD receivers head-to-head with Denon's offerings and the Denon's hold up very well. Very good performance on both the audio and video front, and according to the dealer that I frequent the most they've had no reliability issues with them. |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3016 Registered: Oct-04 | I just watched an HK3390 sell for $91 from Harman on eBay. |
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Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 10934 Registered: Feb-05 | That's a good price for a decent product. It would depend on the speakers chosen whether it would be a good match. |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3019 Registered: Oct-04 | ...and an HK3485 for $93 tonight. |
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Silver Member Username: TpizzlePost Number: 569 Registered: Apr-05 | Those deals are for refurbished pieces though...which I am a little skeptical of. What are your thoughts on refurb equipment? As long as it is under warranty I guess it's history does not matter. |
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Silver Member Username: TpizzlePost Number: 570 Registered: Apr-05 | Also, I shop around on audiogon a lot and now that I am looking at integrated amps I want to make sure I am looking at the right stuff... For amps, what category do I want to be looking at if I only want 1 piece of equipment (amp-multi, amp-solid, etc) Thanks |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3026 Registered: Oct-04 | Virtullay all of my gear is refurb., most from the very same Haman eBay store. It is as new, if not actually new as I believe it is. |
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Silver Member Username: HawkbillyNova Scotia Canada Post Number: 708 Registered: Jul-07 | DB, you probably want to look at int-tran or receiver categories. |
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Silver Member Username: TdogroederDes Moines, IA Post Number: 185 Registered: Sep-05 | Have you considered Marantz receivers? Accessories4less sells onkyo & marantz a very good deal, some are refurb and some are new. http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/StereoReceivers/Home-Audio /Stereo-Receivers/1.html?results.per.page=4adf0694 |
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Silver Member Username: TpizzlePost Number: 571 Registered: Apr-05 | Are Marantz and Onkyo in the same league at any given price? I have heard Marantz is warm sounding, which is what I would like but I never considered them to be competitive with a lower level NAD or mid level Cambridge. |
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Platinum Member Username: ArtkAlbany, Oregon USA Post Number: 10949 Registered: Feb-05 | For HT applications I would prefer Marantz and Onkyo to NAD and Cambridge and I've owned AVR's by all but Cambridge. Music however is another matter. NAD sounds better than any of the above for music to my ears. Marantz is better than it gets credit for though I think...depends on what you expect from an AVR for music. |
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Gold Member Username: ExerciseguyFort Hamilton, NY United States Post Number: 3027 Registered: Oct-04 | A bit dated by now, but still a good read. http://www.homecinemachoice.com/files/reviews/HCC/110_HC_1203.pdf |
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Gold Member Username: Nickelbut10Post Number: 2791 Registered: Jun-07 | For Home Theater the best I have heard is the new Arcam. Wow. But its pricey. Going back to the comparisons, the friend who just bought the Arcam owned an Onkyo tx806? and prior to buying the Arcam A/B'd it against a NAD T753 in which sounded much better to both my ears, and his compared to the Onkyo for movies and music. The Arcam is what he owns now, and rightfully so as it destroys both. As it should at 6 grand.lol. Just thought I would throw that experience in there. |