Amplifier recommendation for a novice audiophile

[Griff Bryant]

Hello all,

I am looking for some help finding an amplifier to complete my set-up with my turntable and speakers.
I have a Rega RP1 turntable and Wharfedale diamond 10.1 speakers (so something between 20 and 100 watts at 8 ohms). I'm looking for an amplifier that will just simply work well with my existing equipment. An amplifier that allows an auxiliary cord hook up would be nice too but isn't absolutely essential.

I have a friend who would be willing to sell me his Fono Mini A2D preamp underpriced as well, but I don't know enough to know if that would help out or not.

I don't plan on adding a subwoofer at any point, and don't really mind new versus used if it's in good condition. I'm really just looking for the best item to complete the set with a price under $350 or so.

Thanks for the help!

 

[auronihilist99]

Hello,

I would look into the Crown XLS Series II 1502 power amp. Plenty of power and good value per dollar.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

what you need is stereo receiver with phono input, like this one:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrs700bl/yamaha-r-s700-2-ch-x-100-watts-natural-sound-stereo-receiver-bose-901-comp/1.html
@auronihilist99 Crown XLS is great amp and it is good value, but it's a) overkill for the task and b) missing phono input, volume control and basic input switching (aka all the things pre-amp does)

 

[auronihilist99]

Griff, instead of using a separate power amp and preamp such as the Crown power amp I suggested, here's a great AV receiver that includes a phono input as well. Purchasing just one device might be the better choice for you.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onktxnr747/onkyo-tx-nr747-7.2-ch-x-110-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Because of all the features and benefits of this particular AV receiver, it gives a much better value per dollar over a single 2-channel stereo receiver recommended by another member.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

If you don't mind throwing out Onkyo after 2 years...
yamaha S700 beats that crappy Onkyo hands down in every important way (except feature set)

 

[auronihilist99]

yamaha S700 beats that crappy Onkyo hands down in every important way

What are the important ways that your device is superior over the other device? In determining your assertion, what types of objective scientific testing procedures did you perform between these two models? And over what length of time?