I recently purchased a pair of Rogers Studio 1s that a local hi-fi nut had restored to the tune of $1k and was selling complete with custom stands for under $500 just so he'd have room for his next project. Right now I'm driving them with a 35w NAD receiver that I bought somewhere around 1995. The Rogers already sound better than what they replaced (and they sounded wonderful in the seller's home), but I need to get some decent power in the chain to make the most of them.
The NAD has pre-outs, so I've been looking at power amps around 100w. I'm not going to put a lot of money into this; my cash goes for camera gear generally, and my listening environment demands headphones for a truly quality listening (vintage condo, kids, cramped urban lifestyle). But I know the difference a strategic upgrade could make here. I'm looking at used gear under $500, and considering some vintage gear from 80s/90s. Heck, I was even researching a Son of Ampzilla this morning. Any recommendations welcome. Thanks.
The NAD has pre-outs, so I've been looking at power amps around 100w. I'm not going to put a lot of money into this; my cash goes for camera gear generally, and my listening environment demands headphones for a truly quality listening (vintage condo, kids, cramped urban lifestyle). But I know the difference a strategic upgrade could make here. I'm looking at used gear under $500, and considering some vintage gear from 80s/90s. Heck, I was even researching a Son of Ampzilla this morning. Any recommendations welcome. Thanks.