Integrated or Receiver?


That is the question.

As my luck would have it, my near 30 year old Denon PMA520 integrated amp is apparently on its way out.  I've already spent $150 to fix one problem only to have one channel all but vanish (can hear some high end audio but it is faint) and the other channel cuts in and out.  Since I had the unit cleaned just a few weeks ago and the noise that had cropped up in deep bass, I would have to believe this is another problem and would require additional servicing at additional cost.

The way I see it, this is throwing good money after bad.  Will probably scrap this thing and will buy something new.

Since my budget is going to be under $400 right now thanks to a slew of other expenses that take priority, I am wondering if I should just settle for a basic entry level amp like the Yamaha 301 or Onkyo 9050 or purchase a Receiver from Yamaha or some other company that is fairly inexpensive and use that for a couple of years until I can buy a better integrated amp when I should have more money to budget for it.

Any thoughts on this?
will62

Showing 6 responses by mesch

+1 helomech. The Yamaha A-S501 is a nice piece if you wish to purchase new and you think it will fit into your future system. It has internal phonostage and DAC (no USB input). Also a subwoofer output. 
What do you see as your system in a couple years? You might check out the used integrateds and receivers offered here on AG. Buy something used for now, sell it later as your system evolves. 
There is a Cambridge Audio 540A for sale by TMRaudio here on AG, a trustworthy seller. asking price is $209 + $37 shipping. Offers are considered.
You would need a phonostage, however an outboard one could be purchased when you get a TT. Schiit Audio makes a highly regarded one for $129. 

Good luck in your search. 

Difficult to find a budget integrated amplifier that will effectively drive 2 pairs of speakers at the same time. Both speaker pairs would have to be 8ohms or better across the frequency range. Few are. Many would have connections for 2 speaker pairs with a selector that would allow you to choose a speaker pair to listen to individually.  My cambridge Audio 540C will allow this. I would not rum 2 pairs at the same time however. 

If an integrated has pre outs you could run additional amplifier to the 2 pair of speakers. If the additional amp has gain controls you could then adjust the output of the 2nd speaker pair relative to the 1st pair. 

I was only suggesting you buy used due to the fact that you were considering the possibility of a 'short term' unit until you had the money for something better later. Also at the time no one knew about your desire to run 2 pairs of speakers at the same time. I do understand one's desire to purchase new, and would never try to talk one wishing to do so into purchasing used. If you are willing to consider increasing your budget to that of the Outlaw receiver there are many good choices out there (including the Outlaw). I would keep an eye on online retailers such as Music Direct, Audio Advisor, Crutchfield, and others. They often offer discounts on many fine products.

Be specific when researching your choices regarding the use of 2 speakers pairs. Ask the sales people you deal with about this. I would caution you regarding running 2 pairs of speakers simultaneously at very high volumes. There is a big difference on the demand made on an amplifier between biwiring, biamping, and running 2 pairs of speakers simultaneously.

Truly wishing you the best in your search. 
Yea, within your budget or beyond you are wise to stick to an integrated. So many great ones available today and you already own a tuner. If you are concerned that the Yamaha may be too bright, the Marantz may prove more to your liking. The models above the 500x series are made in Japan I believe (6,7,8oo4,5,6). They all have phono stages. The X006 series may have DAC, I am not sure of this.