Best integrated amp under $1000?

J

John Kahr

New Member
Hi all,
I am at a loss with all of the new technology.
Looking to start new, and slowly. I'd like something of quality to start off with but just cannot justify going for the high end.

I'll be using a CD and phono, ones I have at first. Upgrading speakers eventually.

Would like to stream Tidal/Spotify from the unit. USB would be nice.

Not sure where to start. Please feel free to ask questions if it will help with advice. Thanks very much for all replies.
 
When looking for value for the dollar spent, I usually decide to check out the used market and see if I can find a component that is owned by a hobbyist who cares about their gear.

The European companies have a tradition of making mighty fine sounding integrated amps. Personally I have excellent results with a Musical Fidelity inegrated. So I hopped onto US Audio Mart and found an example for you.

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649419170-musical-fidelity-a35/

Now there are other great companies to buy from, such as Creek, Arcam, LFD, Mystral, Rotel, and a bunch of others. Here is a nice Creek.

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/...stiny-integrated-amp-w-remote-box-and-manual/

As far as streaming goes, my recommendation would be to buy a streaming component like a Pioneer N30, or something along those lines versus having USB built into the DAC. The internal USB is going to be of average quality if you are buying an integrated that is not a top of the line unit.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
Thank you Mister Pig for your time and reply.

I will absolutely consider those, they seem to be what I'm looking for.

I didn't even know something like that N30 existed. Nor have I been to audiomart. That would work.
Thanks!
 
 
The Musical Fidelity M3si would get my consideration for under 1000 used. 85 watts per channel and has a built in DAC.

The Yamaha A-S801 might be a consideration if you want to go brand new, think they're about 900. Many choices, too many to list. The options posted above are all good too.
 
Well, it's a receiver, but the Outlaw RR 2160 is getting raves @ a mere $800. With DAC and USB.

That said, you probably can't go wrong with a NAD Integrated @ under $650. 50 watts/PC with DAC and Bluetooth.
 
John Kahr said:
Not sure where to start. Please feel free to ask questions if it will help with advice. Thanks very much for all replies.
Click to expand...

Well, John, you asked for advice and my advice is to buy NO amp ... unless, of course, in the trivial situation that you don't have any amp.

Reason I say that is the function of an amp is to provide electrical energy to drive speakers. For this reason I always recommend to get speakers FIRST and here is where $'s really count. It's highly unlikely you'll be able the hear the difference between a $200 amp and a $900 amp. The difference in sound coming from speakers in this same price range would be enormous.

Further, the speakers you select will have a bearing upon the amp you'll need. Yes, you could buy a super power amp that can do anything, but if you end up with very efficient speakers, why waste those $'s. Spend them on speakers instead. Remember, John, it's the speakers that reproduce the sound that gets to your ears.

What amp and speakers do you currently enjoy?

Regards,
Jerry
 
onplane said:
Well, John, you asked for advice and my advice is to buy NO amp ... unless, of course, in the trivial situation that you don't have any amp.

Reason I say that is the function of an amp is to provide electrical energy to drive speakers. For this reason I always recommend to get speakers FIRST and here is where $'s really count. It's highly unlikely you'll be able the hear the difference between a $200 amp and a $900 amp. The difference in sound coming from speakers in this same price range would be enormous.

Further, the speakers you select will have a bearing upon the amp you'll need. Yes, you could buy a super power amp that can do anything, but if you end up with very efficient speakers, why waste those $'s. Spend them on speakers instead. Remember, John, it's the speakers that reproduce the sound that gets to your ears.

What amp and speakers do you currently enjoy?

Regards,
Jerry
Click to expand...

Thanks Jerry!

Currently I listen to an older (late 80s) Kenwood system. 125 wpc with floor speakers. Not sure model numbers. It's ok. I was wanting to upgrade with an all new system and be able to stream Tidal/Spotify. Also cd player and use a vintage Yamaha turntable for my vinyl. I was going to start with the amp and build out from there, using existing speakers for awhile. I also have an old Kenwood KA? 7400 hooked up to Sony speakers.

So that was my thought process, lol.

Thanks!
 
John Kahr said:
Thanks Jerry!

Currently I listen to an older (late 80s) Kenwood system. 125 wpc with floor speakers. Not sure model numbers. It's ok. I was wanting to upgrade with an all new system and be able to stream Tidal/Spotify. Also cd player and use a vintage Yamaha turntable for my vinyl. I was going to start with the amp and build out from there, using existing speakers for awhile. I also have an old Kenwood KA? 7400 hooked up to Sony speakers.

So that was my thought process, lol.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

John, I am also running a couple of old Kenwood amps and they do a fine job.

In my "most listened to system" I bought a new, modern amp a little over a year ago when my 40 year old HH Scott system died. This difference in resulting sound in my case was enormous!

Problem is my AR floor speakers had no controls and my family is paneled, so the sound has always been way too bright. So I bought a Sherwood unit that has 4 full range amps in a single box and then I bi-amped. This way I control via remote the power going into each speaker half independently.

The additional control I just love and often will vary upon changing source. My total outlay for this big "improvement" was $160. On the other hand, I don't want or need anything other than an amp as I get sound from my satellite receiver or two CD players.

Regards,
Jerry
 
opnly bafld said:
Marantz PM7005 ?
I had a PM8005 and really liked it.
Click to expand...
Hi. I am in the market for an intergrated. I have been doing some extensive research. I landed on the Yamaha as801. I like this model due to its features and the build quality. However surfing through some audio phile message boards, I find that maybe I can find a unit of similar build and features with higher end sound. Cost is a factor. I am considering the marantz m8005/6. They're available for a few bucks more. Do you think the soundstage and Dynamics are better in a Marantz vs a Yamaha below the a s1100 model? If you or anyone else on this thread can shed some light I would really appreciate it.
Thanks John
 
NAD is my go-to brand when people ask about a new integrated for $1k. I agree about keeping the DAC and streaming sources separate from the amplifier; much easier to upgrade as money and new features allow.
 
I would have to say a Musical Fidelity A5 integrated would be hard to beat under $1000. It will be very close to the 1k mark used, but at 250@8 ohms and 400@4 ohms it has a ton of power and it is very musical. Also has a wonderful phono pre built into it.
 
Gerres26 said:
I would have to say a Musical Fidelity A5 integrated would be hard to beat under $1000. It will be very close to the 1k mark used, but at 250@8 ohms and 400@4 ohms it has a ton of power and it is very musical. Also has a wonderful phono pre built into it.
Click to expand...
Wow...that A5 is a beast. Handsome amp too.
250 wpc is too much for my needs. I live in an apartment. I'm currently using my vintage 100 wpc Sansui. With my external phono preamp set at 46 db, and the Sansui with a volume dial of 30. I rarely put it as high as 5.
That being said, there are some good deals on the musical fidelity m2si. It's 76 wpc. Has preamp output in case things change down the road. Do you have any thoughts on this amp?
 
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