Planning to buy an Integrated Amplifier

[trambach]

Being a neophyte aspiring audiophile I am trying to making the best decision possible on a limited budget.


From what I have read online, Five integrated amplifiers that have attracted my attention.

I am still learning about the the differences between them. I do have a discerning ear, but some of the terminology is still jargon to me

Marantz PM5003-$449.99 Amazon
Onkyo A-9555- $449.95 B&H
Onkyo A-5VL-$529.95 B&H
Yamaha A-S700BL- $799.95 Amazon
Yamaha AX-497- $399.95 Amazon


If you know any other integrated amplifiers that you would recommend please yet me know.

Thanks

 

[bandphan]

I would look at the yama RX-797 @ your price points

 

[trambach]

I would look at the yama RX-797 @ your price points

That one looks like a regular receiver. That would probably mean I would need to purchase a separate amplifier for the unit.

 

[bandphan]

That one looks like a regular receiver. That would probably mean I would need to purchase a separate amplifier for the unit.

No seperate purchase required... Has plenty of power and is 4ohm stable.

 

[trambach]

No seperate purchase required... Has plenty of power and is 4ohm stable.

Besides the power, what is so special about that particular yamaha model?

It looks old... for a A/V receiver it only has composite inputs...

 

[3db]

Being a neophyte aspiring audiophile I am trying to making the best decision possible on a limited budget.


From what I have read online, Five integrated amplifiers that have attracted my attention.

I am still learning about the the differences between them. I do have a discerning ear, but some of the terminology is still jargon to me

Marantz PM5003-$449.99 Amazon
Onkyo A-9555- $449.95 B&H
Onkyo A-5VL-$529.95 B&H
Yamaha A-S700BL- $799.95 Amazon
Yamaha AX-497- $399.95 Amazon


If you know any other integrated amplifiers that you would recommend please yet me know.

Thanks

Are you intending the use of this amp to be strictly for 2 channel listeniong only and no home theater use in the futur? If the answer is yes to both, stay away from receivers as they capbabilities you will not even use and are therefore a waste of resource.

 

[trambach]

Are you intending the use of this amp to be strictly for 2 channel listeniong only and no home theater use in the futur? If the answer is yes to both, stay away from receivers as they capbabilities you will not even use and are therefore a waste of resource.

Just two channel listening no home theater use.

 

[bandphan]

Besides the power, what is so special about that particular yamaha model?

It looks old... for a A/V receiver it only has composite inputs...

its not an AVR the inputs are convenience only... This is a strong stereo receiver

 

[Seth=L]

Integrated amplifier: An audio component that provides both a preamp and amplifier in the same chassis

Receiver: An audio component that provides a tuner, preamp, and amplifier in the same chassis

All those that are listed in the OP are integrated amplifiers. Which one you select depends on a few varients.

*What kind of speakers you have.

*Size of the room

*Inputs needed

*What is aesthetically pleasing to the user

Pick one that has the capability to drive the speakers you are planning on using with the integrated amplifier in the size of room the system will be in. For example, if your speakers impose a more difficult load or are inefficient that may rule out the Onkyo A-5VL as it's only rated 40 watts per channel and doesn't seem to be rated for 4 ohms.

If you don't like the way the Yamaha looks then select a different integrated amplifier. You don't have to limit yourself to the list you already made of course.

 

[Jeepers]

Being a neophyte aspiring audiophile I am trying to making the best decision possible on a limited budget.


From what I have read online, Five integrated amplifiers that have attracted my attention.

I am still learning about the the differences between them. I do have a discerning ear, but some of the terminology is still jargon to me

Marantz PM5003-$449.99 Amazon
Onkyo A-9555- $449.95 B&H
Onkyo A-5VL-$529.95 B&H
Yamaha A-S700BL- $799.95 Amazon
Yamaha AX-497- $399.95 Amazon


If you know any other integrated amplifiers that you would recommend please yet me know.

Thanks

How about the Yamaha A-S1000 ? I am sure you must be able to make some deal somewhere.

 

[trambach]

How about the Yamaha A-S1000 ? I am sure you must be able to make some deal somewhere.

I was looking at the model as well, but its a tad bit over my budget

 

[Tomorrow]

Marantz PM7001 - http://us.marantz.com/Products/1647.asp

NAD C 315BEE - http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_745C315BEE/NAD-C-315BEE.html?tp=34948

Denon PMA-2000IVR - If you can find one on the used market. (http://www.crutchfield.com/s_033PMA2KIV/Denon-PMA-2000IVR.html?tp=180)

Good luck with your search.

 

[trambach]

Integrated amplifier: An audio component that provides both a preamp and amplifier in the same chassis

Receiver: An audio component that provides a tuner, preamp, and amplifier in the same chassis

All those that are listed in the OP are integrated amplifiers. Which one you select depends on a few varients.

*What kind of speakers you have.

*Size of the room

*Inputs needed

*What is aesthetically pleasing to the user

Pick one that has the capability to drive the speakers you are planning on using with the integrated amplifier in the size of room the system will be in. For example, if your speakers impose a more difficult load or are inefficient that may rule out the Onkyo A-5VL as it's only rated 40 watts per channel and doesn't seem to be rated for 4 ohms.

If you don't like the way the Yamaha looks then select a different integrated amplifier. You don't have to limit yourself to the list you already made of course.

*What kind of speakers you have.- Planning to get the B&W 685

*Size of the room: medium sized family room.

*Inputs needed: Blu-ray/CD/TUNER

*What is aesthetically pleasing to the user: Its going to be in a cabinet so it does really matter.

 

[bandphan]

*What kind of speakers you have.- Planning to get the B&W 685

*Size of the room: medium sized family room.

*Inputs needed: Blu-ray/CD/TUNER

*What is aesthetically pleasing to the user: Its going to be in a cabinet so it does really matter.

you will need an avr to handle the HD codecs, not a intergrated or receiver

 

[Lordoftherings]

Audiogon is your ticket.

Check at Audiogon for a good deal on a great Integrated amplifier.

* You'll find something better than your choices, and for same or less money.

-> In your price range, check this one (NAD C352 at $429):
* http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ddintatran&1260066855

--> And for just a bit more, but a great int. amp (Bryston B60 at $675):
* http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1262282357

 

[trambach]

you will need an avr to handle the HD codecs, not a intergrated or receiver

I guess that makes sense if i want to listen to these formats: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio

But hooking up a blu=ray player to a integrated amplifier should give pretty good sound I suppose?

 

[agarwalro]

Are you intending the use of this amp to be strictly for 2 channel listeniong only and no home theater use in the futur? If the answer is yes to both, stay away from receivers as they capbabilities you will not even use and are therefore a waste of resource.

I am with SethL for this one.

Receiver: An audio component that provides a tuner, preamp, and amplifier in the same chassis

In addition, in all but the lowest level of receivers, you also get auto room correction capabilities. I consider this a pretty important feature. Unless someone has a dedicated room wit acoustic treatments, IMHO, room correction capabilities are a big help.

To the Op, even if you need BD capabilities, you can still create a 2 ch system with an integrated amp. You will need a player with analog outs, and have the player always downmix the sound to 2 ch. analog.

But if you want to enjoy multichannel sound, a receiver or pre-pro+dedicated amp setup, is the only way possible.


In my personal opinion, you are getting better bang for buck with a Stereo Receiver than an integrated amp. For example, with the Marantz SR4023 (refurb) you get the following $299 at Accessories4less;

 

[bandphan]

I guess that makes sense if i want to listen to these formats: Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, and DTS-HD Master Audio

But hooking up a blu=ray player to a integrated amplifier should give pretty good sound I suppose?

I guess, subjectively. IMHO DD and DTS sound as good as as the higher resolution codecs, but better than just stereo

 

[trambach]

I am with SethL for this one.

In addition, in all but the lowest level of receivers, you also get auto room correction capabilities. I consider this a pretty important feature. Unless someone has a dedicated room wit acoustic treatments, IMHO, room correction capabilities are a big help.

To the Op, even if you need BD capabilities, you can still create a 2 ch system with an integrated amp. You will need a player with analog outs, and have the player always downmix the sound to 2 ch. analog.

But if you want to enjoy multichannel sound, a receiver or pre-pro+dedicated amp setup, is the only way possible.


In my personal opinion, you are getting better bang for buck with a Stereo Receiver than an integrated amp. For example, with the Marantz SR4023 (refurb) you get the following $299 at Accessories4less;

I guess that makes sense, since I was planning on purchasing a turner separately. Should I add a dedicated amp to that receiver or is the included amp just fine?

Thanks

 

[agarwalro]

Should I add a dedicated amp to that receiver or is the included amp just fine?

What speakers are you intending to drive?