There is a Scott 340 B receiver listed for $350.00 with a phono stage and tuner. I have one and for a forty year old component it continues to suprise me. If you decide you like tubes you can upgrade and sell the unit for what you paid for it.
Which integrated tube amp?
I've been doing lots of reading and I've become convinced that after all these years I want to try out the tube sound. I don't have much money, and where I live I don't really have an opportunity to go to any shops and listen to tube set-ups, so I'm considering units that have 30-day money back gaurantees. I'd like to spend about $600 -- right now I'm considering two new units -- the Cayin TA-30 and the Jolida 102B. Both have good reviews on audioreview.com. Both are about $500-600 and I'll need to add a separate phono preamp. I'm also intrigued by a fully-restored and modified Scott 222 unit offered by Mapleshade Records for $850 -- it's more money, although it has a (supposedly excellent) phono stage, so overall price isn't that different. I play a Thorens TD-320 through 90db-efficiency 2-way speakers. Can anyone give me any insights that will help narrow my choices? Or perhaps I've missed a good product in my price range? If you could reply soon that would be great because my trigger finger's getting itchy! Thanks.