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Asking for guidance on my first hi-fi system...

Hello, this is my first post here and I am hoping to gain a little confidence in making a purchase of an integrated amp for a nice two channel music only system. I recently built my own speakers, (the Jim Holtz Mini Statements) and auditioned them at my friends house on two different high end audio systems.... Rogue, Electrocompaniet, Van Alstine are a few names I remember of his gear. He helped me confirm that my speakers sound very nice and are a good starting point to build upon. My budget is 500.00 or less for an amp. Currently I use an Onkyo HT-R520 home theatre receiver, set on "Direct" listening mode. Obviously, my speakers don't sound as good with the Onkyo. I believe the bass is over emphasized and the mids and highs are a little lacking in detail.
Here are my objectives:
1. Stay within budget
2. Find something that will sound better and resolve the weaknesses of the Onkyo

Currently I am interested in a 300 to 400 dollar Carver CM 1090 integrated amp. Would this be a wise choice given it's age? or should I be looking at a new NAD, or ?????

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
jfmerk

Showing 1 response by mountainsong

mountainsong's avatar
mountainsong
418 posts
 
I owned the NAD 355BEE I sold it, I think I was one of the first buyer of this amp from audio advisor, dark no details dull sound, I have no regrets i sold it, I ended up going up, the only way to hear differences in audio is when you jump for example for an NAD amp and all of the sudden your ears can't live without a class A luxman. Is costly but if you are serious about audio, start with a Rega used amp, Brio 3 or Brio R the new version I owned too, excellent and musical don't buy vintage, too much work repairs and other unexpected things that you will like to be away from....make your first steps in the hobby walking right...
enjoy the music
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