Help! Want the Best Integrated Amp...

[Ari]

On a budget that is.

I think I have sold my ML SL3's, and though I am keeping my Aragon 4004Mk2/18K pre and CAL Icon Mk2 for a future time and place when we have more room, they will be in storage for some time, so, the deal was, I could take some of the proceeds of the ML's and buy a mini-system.

I suppose my wife is picturing an off the shelf MS, I have different ideas.

I'm thinking as long as the entire package isn't too big or intimidating, she has to accept it, after all, I finally caved on the giant speakers/amp in the living room thing.

So, what I am envisioning is, a very good, used integrated amp, I was strongly leaning towards an Acurus DIA 100 as I am a fan of Aragon/Mondial, I figure I can buy a used one for $500 or so, continue to use my CAL Icon Mk2 player, if memory serves, the DIA 100 is approx the same size as the CAL, and they would stack nicely, and, for speakers, a pair of the highly regarded Epos bookshelfs that I see new for under $300. So, for $800 or so, that should be a very decent system, that won't too badly disrupt my wife's feng shui. Actually, the real reason is, we had a baby and have very little room as is, we really did need to clean out the living room, hence my finally becoming willing to downsize.

But, I am not having much luck finding lots of DIA 100s or sale, I really would like to stay right around $500 for a good, used integrated amp, the DIA100 seems like a good choice, BUT, I am definitely open to other, similar quality ideas, so, if you can recommend a very good integrated amp, that isn't huge, that can be had used for around $500, AND, tell me where I can actually find one for sale, that would be much appreciated.

I am not into small wattage esoteric amps though, I'm looking for the more mainstream, 100W+ ones that are highly regarded, not the: "Well, I once heard this obscure British 20Wpc amp that was like a slice of heaven in the midrange..." My amp needs to be well rounded, and capable of driving an 87 DB speaker and with tight, relatively lean bass. High damping factors welcome.

So, I am starting the short list with the DIA 100, which can be had used for around $500, what might you all add to this list, please remember to tell me expected pricing, and, where I can actually find one for sale.

Thanks!

Ari

mammothivory2000@yahoo.com

 

[gregz]

Ari, ten years ago your search would have been much easier. However, now that home theatre is the norm, the two channel integrated amp business is not the market it once was and selection has diminished greatly.

The way things are, it's actually cheaper to buy a good HT Receiver than it is to buy an integrated stereo amp that will give you equivalent two channel performance. That is, unless you either: a) spend more money, or b) buy pro-audio equipment

As a check, compare a $500 Yamaha, Denon, or HK receiver to the $500 integrated amp you're considering and see how it turns out. As a bonus, the receivers in this category aren't intimidating or hulking, and have a familiar friendly look that wives tend to accept easier than a huge heatsinked monster with nothing but LEDs and a dial.

Good luck!

 

[TEvo]

Off the top of my head a sweet sounding integrated in this range (used):

Creek 4330

A Creek/Epos ELS3 combo ought to be decent good combo.

Also, a number of new NADs in this price range may also meet your expectations.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, the Audio Analogue Primo (70wpc) [$800USD] should be superb with the Epos. Tube-like liquidity but with a good measure of SS pace. Minimal disruption of feng shui with this rather unassuming silver box.

I've driven NHT SB3s (far from efficient) with NAD 320BEE (50wpc) and Primo and am very happy but caveat emptor, from your post, I sense you may have very different musical priorities- I don't seem to mind a mellow, more laid back, sound. (My rigs have been said to be a bit dark sounding by some...)

Just my 2/100ths of a USD. Good luck!

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

Try finding a slightly used NAD C350 (100watts) or C370 (120 watts).

I got a used c370 myself, cant imagine needing even a third of the power on my bookshelves, but hey, it was cheap!

 

[Ari]

Thanks for the replies.

Here is what I did.

I found a lightly used Acurus DIA-100 integrated for $550 incuding shipping, I am in the process of purchasing a pair of the Epos speakers, and for source, I will continue to use my California Audio Labs Icon Mk2 Power Boss unit, so, since I am scavenging the CD player from my prior system, this new system will cost me only $850, which is exactly what I wanted to spend, and for the $$$, and size, I can't really imagine having a better system. I have a feeling, this will give me some really good sound, without breaking the bank, nor taking up much room.

My wife still thinks I'm getting an off the shelf mini-system, I'll need to point out to her I never actually told her that, since a seperates system can be "mini" relative to a full size system.

I had been toying with the idea of getting a used Musical Fidelity A3.2 integrated, found one for $950, sounded like it would be a great amp, but, I honestly don't have enough $$$ right now to swing it, so, when I came across the Acurus, I jumped on it, and of course, I'm a fan of Mondial Designs Ltd. anyway, having previously been using an Aragon system.

Thanks again,

Ari

 

[Gelder]

I also have a NAD C370 that was a dealer's demo unit. For the price it is a very good amp.