2. amps-preamps
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Best bargain integrated amp?

I'm in the market for a new integrated amp. I currently own a Cambridge Audio 640A, but am begining to notice its short commings. I'm looking for a more refined amp with more power. I listen to mostly rock, jazz, acoustic guitar stuff: Leo Kottke, Nick Drake etc. in that order.

I would like to go second hand and spend no more than $700.00, and I guess my question is will I notice a considerable improvement sound quality with a second hand amp of this price?

I'm interested in the Odyssey Audio Cyclops but have yet to find it used. What other units should I consider?

My system:
Speakers: Acoustic Energy Aelite 2
CDP: ShengYa CD-s10 (tube)
Interconnects: Kimber Kable Timbre
Speaker Cables: PS Audio X-Stream Plus

Thanks for the help.
catt3
robm321
932 posts
 
ASL AQ1001DT for about $1,500 will give you a tube integrated that has the lush qualities of tubes, but will also give you a lot of the positive attributes of solid state.

If you want solid state I agree with above Naim Nait 5i received great reviews in "the absolute sound". I beleive they compared it to the best integrateds no matter what price.
bluemike
60 posts
 
Densen Beat 100

For the money it's hard to beat ....
daverobertson
60 posts
 
For the money your only talking about spending, i would highly recommend trying the Kavent integrated amplifier through Kellsie audio and video designs..
www.kellsieavdesign.com... I think you might be quite impressed and may not look back..
Good Luck,
Dave
maxxc
177 posts
 
Chinese, Jungson JA88C for $400. Easily sell for $1200-1500 if it was from one of the better known American companies.

BW Maxx
jay_douglas_2879b79
239 posts
 
no offense, but your cambridge is probably fine.....the speakers are not going to get better even if you spend alot more. remember, what you have is not the classic ae of yore, but the slap the logo on it generic variety. the cambridge, the creek, the nad are all modest in price but can handle much better speakers effectively
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