If you are buying a new amp, I would agree with the recommendation of the NAD C320BEE, which has an excellent reputation. Other choices might include the Cambridge Audio Azur 340A (40 w/c), 540A (50 w/c) or 640A (65 w/c) amps available from www.audioadvisor.com. If you are buying used, which can offer better value for money, I would suggest considering any one of the NAD integrated amps in the 40 to 80 watt range offered during the past few years -- the C320, C340, C350 or C352, for example. (I have owned a C340 for several years.) While available for reasonable prices, these are good-sounding, flexible amplifiers which can grow with your system. They all have preamp outputs, so the preamp section can be used to drive a larger power amplifier if you decide later on that your system needs more power. If you can't wait for more power because you need to drive electrostatic speakers, you might also consider buying an older NAD 3400 integrated (100 w/c), or a combination of a NAD 1300 preamplifier and a NAD 2400 power amplifier (100 w/c), if you can find them used. There is a fairly steady stream of used NAD equipment up for auction on eBay at any given time. These may not be the ultimate amplifiers, but they are a good, cost-effective place to start, and they have a ready resale value if you later decide to trade up.
Best preamp/ Amp combo or intgrated amp??
I'm moving and need a new amp/ pre amp or intgrated amp. I don't have fine tuned ears, and will primarly be listening to classic country, classic rock or blues on this system. I have about $500 to spend on the amp and was wondering what kind amp would be best to power the old infinity electro static speakers I have (I have no idea of the model or make). Unless you think that these are junk then I also have about another $500 to spend on speakers. Also how do you know whch amps and pre amps go good together? What do you reccomend?