Budget hi-fi and vintage audio gear


I’m in the process of putting together a budget hi-fi system and I am curious for any advice fellow Arsians could provide. I would like a system that is purely stereo and produces high SQ rather than high SPL. As it stands now, my computer would be the main audio source (MP3, APE, CD) using my TBSC- however I want to eventually add higher quality separates like a CD player, etc. This system will be used in a bedroom/computer room (small apartment) and I’m pretty set on picking up a pair of Axiom Audio’s M2ti speakers. What I’m looking for is a good quality integrated amplifier (not a receiver, I don’t need radio) that is budget priced (~$250 at most). I’ve done some searching around and it seems vintage equipment could yield the best results for my needs. What sort of vintage equipment would you recommend for my needs? I’ve seen the NAD 3020 or 70’s Marantz equipment come highly recommended  https://waveadvice.com/integrated-amplifiers/ ; does anyone have any experience with this equipment? What are some precautions to take regarding the purchasing of 20+ year old audio equipment? What are common problems old integrated amplifiers run into? Any information and suggestions are highly appreciated! Thanks!
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Showing 3 responses by chrshanl37

Vintage amps can be a great way to get in to audio however keep in mind that often times they will need to be serviced and have the electrolytic caps replaced. So what may seem like a great budget solution can in some cases end ip costing you more down the road.

With your budget on a desktop I would look at a Nobsound passive preamp and a used amp from adcom, nad, rotel etc. 

There are some modern integrated amps you might find in your budget used such as the Nad 3020d, pioneer a20 and probably quite a few others.

Good luck and enjoy your new system!
millercarbon What are you talking about? His budget is $250. Home audition of used gear (which is probably the road he is going down) is next to impossible. Besides that, with a budget $250 amp it is not advisable to spend money on cones, power cords and ic’s.

 
I have owned a ton of vintage gear from Marantz, Sansui, Tanberg, Luxman and many others and I have to say those H/K Twins were fantastic!