I think a NAD integrated makes a lot of sense, used with more power if your speakers are inefficent, or new C350 if efficient, and you should have enough left over for a pair of headphones, say the Grado 150 (I think) for about $125. Headphones are the way to go if you'r ein a dorm and/or have roommates. And the NAD for the money is very good. I dont think you can find a preamp and amp for less than $500 that will be any better. I cant even think of a preamp under $500 that's any good at all, except for maybe a Creek passive or that passive preamp "Sam Tellig" has talked about. But then you dont get a headphone amp. And that is essential in close quarters, I think.
college kid needs help with budget amps
I'm wanting to move to seperates and i'm on a limited budget. Which would be a better choice: a older-model, used adcom amp and pre amp, such as the GFA 535 and the GTP- 400, or a used/new but late model integrades models from NAD, cambridge audio, or marantz. Or give me your own suggestions for under $500. Also i have klipsch speakers and listen to mostly rock. I'm considering new speakers too, which amp will give me a good start. thanks