2. amps-preamps
  3. 1139287819

Suggestions for a budget amp

Well, im thinking about upgrading my system (just started out and am still in high school so my budget is a major constraint). Basically im trying to build a sterio system that will last me until im out of college and have a "real" job. My current system includes NHT-SB3 speakers, Onkyo TX-8211 sterio reciever a sony CDP-CE275 cd changer, Furmann Q-2312 EQ, and blue-jeans cabling. Its my opinion that the Onkyo is what holds the system back the most at this point so im looking to replace it and fight the upgrade bug until i can afford it. I've looked at the Rotell RA-02 and the Nad C320Bee (the Nad is my favorite so far) but need more ideas (there HAVE to be more budget amps out there, right?). I also shopped around Yamaha's and Onkyo's sites, but their higher end stuff just adds more features, not much by the way of sound quality (from what i could tell by specs... may be wrong). Im looking for something that i can upgrade in stages down the line (i.e. unplugging the power amp section of a preamp and using a beefier seperate, or bi-amping... something like that). I dont need much power since ill be in dorm rooms or crowded appartments for the near future and even in my fair sized room now i rarely turn my 40 wpc Onkyo above 9:00 and its never been over 12:00. I listen to everything from Mozart to Metallica, except rap and pop. Even put in some country every now and then (I think its a law here in Texas ;-)
Thanks for your help,
-Dan-
dk89

Showing 2 responses by bignerd100

bignerd100
515 posts
 
For the SB3's in a college setting you will want as much power as you can get. It only takes one evening of maxing out the amp to fry the crossover and woofer in that particular speaker. They are very inefficient speakers and will need lots of power to reach high volume levels (which will happen from time to time even if you are not arround).
The 320BEE is a fine budget integrated but I would suggest you get something like a used Parasound HCA-1000A before leaving for college.

If you have to replace the woofers on the SB3's it will set you back $100 a peice. $50 a peice for crossovers.
Get the biggest, baddest power amp you can afford.
If you were looking for a budget preamp AudioSource makes one that has much more gain than the NAD. It is not an audiophile preamp but it could do the trick with a beefy power amp.

Good luck!
bignerd100
515 posts
 
The C352 is not a very large improvement over the C320BEE.
A very little bit more power.

All NAD since teh begining of time (asside from the silver series and a couple of odd silver products) has been mate black.

THere is an Arcam Delta 90.2 up for sale right now that is at a good price.

Good luck!
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