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What are the best entry level integrated amps and speakers?

My daughter just got a new place and wants to upgrade her Best Buy based stereo system.  She is only interested in two channel stereo (good for her).  I told her if you're willing to get used equipment of high quality you'll get a better system like I did (Krell, Ayre, Revel).  We are looking for an integrated amp and speakers.  The amp should put out 75-100 watts.  She has enough room for floor standing speakers or something smaller.  So far I have researched NAD and Outlaw for amps and PSB for speakers.  What would you recommend?  I think the budget will be $1,000-1,500.

 Thanks for your input.

128x128pipebro

Showing 1 response by ostensible_constituency

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ostensible_constituency
76 posts
 
Some lightly used KEF LS50s or Paradigm Monitors (like PSB, Canadian sound) coupled with a decent integrated amp/DAC combo like a used Peachtree or NAD would be a little over $1500, but all of those components (esp. KEFs and Peachtree) are very "cool" and artistic looking - and small enough to blend in, which is something that a woman might appreciate. Plus the sound would be very unlikely to offend any listener or do a disservice to any particular musical style. The Class D amp would run cool, and be capable of powering even the most difficult loads for when your daughter decides to go with electrostatic speakers ;-)

For example:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Peachtree-Audio-nova150-Integrated-Amplifier-with-DAC-B-Stock/222908273509?hash=item33e65e5365:g:~doAAOSwZrhahJF4

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-Piano-Black-KEF-LS50-Speakers-Flagship-Music-Sound-Stereo-Audio-SP3787BA...

Or:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/REFURBISHED-NAD-C368-INTEGRATED-AMP-C-368-WARRANTY/273054089189?hash=item3f... (Class D Hypex internals with NAD "house" sound and excellent build quality and a very respectable phono input stage).


Also a cheaper approach would be active speakers with a built in DAC such as the Vanatoo Transparent One (I’m guessing the Zeros wouldn’t be big enough).

If you’re feeling really crazy, go with Devialet. I hear they’re worth every penny and they’re scalable (you can add a second one for a crazy good sounding stereo system): https://www.ebay.com/itm/Devialet-Silver-Phantom/192506840966?epid=529767853&hash=item2cd24d4786...
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