Help With Finding A New Stereo Amplifier.

[Philipp Polnjak]

Hello everyone,

I have been having problems with my setup, and am therefore trying to adjust/optimize it.
I am looking for a new amplifier, but there are a few strings attached.

Currently I have the following set up:
Two Canton GLE 490.2 Standing speakers (and several others which are my old ones, could also attach them)
Pro-ject Essencial Turntable
Pioneer A-202 Stereo amplifier

Yes, the amp is old, therefore I am looking for a new one.

what I am looking for in this amp are the following aspects;
- It should haven sufficient specs to support my speakers. (maybe even more, I might want to connect my old ones again, or buy additional speakers)
- It should have a good phono connection, as I like to listen to LP's
- it should at least have a few more RCA inputs, as I have my computer and xbox/playstation attached too.

~what would be neat is if it had a usb input (I have never had that before but it sounds like a good way too have when attaching a computer)
~ I do enjoy how my current amp looks. Some something along the lines of that would also be a plus. I don't really like some of the more extravagant designs.
~ Something that would also be nice to have is streaming capability, but maybe it might be better to get another device which takes that task. like the Cambridge Audio NP30.

Which brings me to somewhat the second point, would it make sense to get something like the NP30?

And finally the price. I am rather flexible with that, as long as it is a good deal. (I am not looking for a super expensive high-end piece though. roughly 500-1000 euros would be nice)

 

[Philipp Polnjak]

Im sorry for the long post, I could have written all that in fewer words.

 

[j_garcia]

Overseas, I'd probably say Cambridge is a good bet. Something like the 651A should do the trick, but if you want more power then the 851A. Integrated amps are likely one of the few places you are going to find a built in phono stage these days, so these would be good choices. You can get USB capability other ways.

 

[bikemig]

Also the outlaw rr2150 stereo receiver (which has usb input), bass management, and good power specs. Plus it looks cool. I like mine a lot.

Edit: I just realized that you are looking for an amp in Europe, not the States. Onkyo makes some good looking amps with digital inputs: Onkyo A 9050 and the A 9070. Also look for the NAD 356 bee amp with a dac module.

 

[Mopkins]

Agree with bikemig, but you may also want to check out Peachtree Audio and Audiolab. Both offer really nice integrated amps, Peachtree with USB/DAC built in, Audiolab doesn't have a complete integrated with USB, but a a CD/DAC/Preamp, just add an amp. Now that I think of it, you may need a phono preamp as well.