old acurus integrated vs. separates vs. new nad

I have seen some fantastic deals on Forte amps and preamps, you could have put together something great for about 5-6 hundred. Best deals got snapped up quickly. Otherwise, I would second the Rotel power with some other preamp suggestion. The NAD int amps I have heard lately have been a little "dark and muddy", I would try a Rotel int. instead.

p.s. I have also listened to the RL-11 through the RB-981, and it sounded much better than a top-end Rotel pre-amp. I would definitely go the used route if possible, you will get much better sound. The Classe has some nice features (more full-featured remote, for one) and sound, but you can probably get the RL-11 cheaper, and it will sound great also.

Mike is right on here. The Acurus amps are also too bright for me (I auditioned the RL-11 with an A-80 alongside some other choices). Even though I tend to like a "detailed" (i.e., bright) presentation.

The NAD C370 is the opposite extreme. Dark and muddy, I couldn't stand it, though others here are fond of these units (they hear "romantic" where I hear murky).

I agree that if you can swing it, go with separate amp and preamp.

Mike's suggestions are good, though some of them may be out of your price range. I would add the Rotel equipment to his suggestions. My second system has an RB-981 for an amp, 135WPC, you should be able to get it for $200 here if you keep your eyes peeled.

I suggest spending more on the pre-amp than the amp. I used to have a Classe CP-35 paired with the RB-981, which is sold here for around $500 regularly if you can stretch your budget a bit. Very nice sound for the money. If that is too pricey, you could stick with a rotel pre-amp and have money left over for CDs. Or try pairing the RL-11 with the Rotel amp.

From the options you've listed, it looks like you are spreading $600 across amplification AND preamplification.

In that case, going with seperates would make for a fairly tight budget, but do-able. I simply don't see many integrateds with much power out there - you probably noticed the same seeing as you located the DIA-150, which has about the most power I've seen in an integrated since it uses a passive pre and leaves lots more room for the amplifier section.

If you don't like bright, I would not honestly recommend the Acurus amplifiers. The RL11 preamp is nice though. I've owned the A250 and A100x3 and both were horribly bright and forward. The RL11 I still own and have no such complaints.

Some other options you might consider for inexpensive, higher-power SS amps:

Forte 200w 6a (200w)
B&K ST202 (150w)
Hafler D500 (225w)
Adcom (many models)
Bryston 3b or 4b
Sometimes an older Belles or Perraux amp pops up

Good luck,
Mike