2. amps-preamps
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Budget amps that can hold their own.

I am working on a system and am building it from the source up. Alredy I have a Njoe Tjoeb 4000 and am working on the Bottlehead Foreplay pre-amp. Now it is time for an amp. I am looking for somthing under $500, but I do not know where to begin. When looking in the under 1k range, a lot of big names put out consumer crap that is not worth the plastic it is made of. What are some decent low budget amps that are worth looking at?

Thanks so much
Eric Baer
iamcrazy111
16 responses Add your response
elevick
2,636 posts
 
See if you can find an Anthem 40watt/ch tube amp!
upstateaudio
249 posts
 
Can we had for less than $250.
beavis
272 posts
 
Listen to Eastern Electric MiniMax Amp. Morningstar Audio now selling direct.
upstateaudio
249 posts
 
Sorry, I left out some things in my last post. I meant that the B&K ST140 is a good budget amp and it can be had for less than $250.
newbee
4,751 posts
 
Amps should match your speakers. If you haven't already picked them you should as the type of speakers you use will determine the amp you need. To do the reverse will severly limit your choice of speakers.
flynntom
35 posts
 
ADCOM 555II can be found here or on eBAY for $300-$400. A Nelson Pass design, 200 watts into 8 ohms, High currant , built like a tank and best of all sounds very nice with a tube front end. Not the last word, but very respectable for the bucks.
nealhood
199 posts
 
NAD C320BEE. Simply excellent - especially the power amp section.
blkadr
739 posts
 
Forte class a amps, Bedini 25/25 if you stumble over one...Rotel, Adcom....
oldcar63
145 posts
 
I have owned several brands all SS If you can find one QED P300 looks crappie sounds great very dynamic open fast with almost tube like warmth. No other amp even double the price I have heard and I have heard MANY sound as good. Another good If you can get a good used price is McCormack dna 125
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Agree with Newbee. What speakers do you plan to buy?

Dave
jwmazur
190 posts
 
ATI's are a great way to have great sound without great outlay.
fbi
92 posts
 
~~~~Hafler 9505. Right now beemer has one for $525! If you are local, jump on it and don't look back. Seen these get $1000 on ebay. Awesome quality for that price!!!

Just the Facts
By
bignerd100
515 posts
 
Speakers first, then the rest.
NAD, Parasound, Adcom, Jolida, Rotel... it all depends on the efficency and sound characteristics of the speaker.
drlazybones
12 posts
 
You can pick up an older Bryston 2B amp for $2-300 if you look hard enough. Very sweet sound, 60WPC, suitable for more sensitive speakers...
c123666
871 posts
 
I am listening to a little Stromberg push/pull tube amp that was lent to me while my custom 300b amp is built. It sounds very, very good considering it has not been opened up for any mods since we received it. For 200 bux delivered it is a great! With new wiring, AC cord, NOS tubes, volumes bypassed (or upgraded), and upgraded components (caps, resistors) this will be wonderful.
littledude_58ac9e
1 posts
 
9505 Great Amp For The Money I'm Using With ClassE DR5 PRE
and Paradign Studio 100's Lot's Of Clean Power For the Buck
I've been Using This Setup For 2 Years And I'm Very Happy
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