Used Integrated Amps

[Josh784]

My stereo was recently stolen and I'm now in the market for something new. Previously I had a Yamaha receiver, but I'd like to go the route of an integrated non-receiver amp this time as I don't need most of the features offered by a receiver and would much rather concentrate on the sound.

I have my eye on a pair of Energy RC-10s, which would leave me with about a $500 ceiling for an amp. For this reason I am fairly certain I will try to pick something up used, likely from Audiogon.

With and without taking my speaker choice into consideration, what should I keep an eye out for?

Thanks,
Josh

 

[Tomorrow]

You might want to look at the flexible and inexpensive BPA-1. One should easily drive those speakers.

http://www.emotiva.com/amplifiers.html

 

[Seth=L]

You might want to look at the flexible and inexpensive BPA-1. One should easily drive those speakers.

http://www.emotiva.com/amplifiers.html

If he gets that he will need something to do basic switching, maybe an A/V switch box from any retail outlet.

The cool thing about that amplifier is it's versatility, it can used as a mono-block, a stereo amp, an integrated amp, or a subwoofer amp with variable crossover, this guy can do anything.

Other things you could look for is used stereo receivers and integrated amplifiers on Ebay. If you are worried about someone stealing your stuff, try to keep the cost and cosmetics down. I use a Fisher Integrated amplifier in my bedroom that is conservatively rated for 100 watts per channel. It looks awful, it is heavy, and it was dirt cheap, but it sounds great!

Since amplifiers for the most part sound the same, I would try to get the best value you can.

 

[Josh784]

I'm not too worried about my stereo being stolen a 2nd time, so I wouldn't mind having something that looks halfway decent

How about a NAD C352? Or possibly C352...As far as I can tell the major difference is 150 watts per channel vs 80, which shouldn't be a problem for speakers such as the RC-10s?

What would be the best way to describe the sound from a NAD amp? How does NAD stack up against other companies such as Cambridge Audio in terms of price/performance? I've read that NAD has better quality than Cambridge but the latter may have the edge in audio quality...Do you think this is an accurate statement?

Thanks