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Amp, On A Budget?

I'm building a 2 channel system on a pretty tight budget, think I've done good so far, but need help with an amp!

Source is lossless from PC to JKDAC32 DAC (awesome budget DAC.) Speakers are DIY Statements (awesome speakers, cost about a grand to build, people compare them to speakers that cost 10 times as much and more.)

I'm trying to get the best amp I can for ~300.00, the remainder of my budget. I'm seeing older Adcom, Carver, Parasound, Rotel, etc. in my price range, used of course.

I know this equipment isn't up to the standards of most of the gear discussed here, but any suggestions on which route I should take for a 300.00 amp?
dmusgrave
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Personally, while the ST 140 is a sweet amp(had one) I would not run any amps that old on speakers I would mine loseing.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,254 posts
 
I would go for the Emotiva UPA-2 amp. It is a tremendous bang for the buck. It is built very well and they sound really good. I had a 200.00 Emotiva dac in my system for almost a year. I bought a different dac for 1,000.00 and it is only very slightly better. You won't be disappointed and they have the best customer service as well.
telescope_trade
555 posts
 
Go with the Emotiva.
jdoris
972 posts
 
Worth checking audiocircle

There's often equipment there at yr pricepoint; lots of diy and garage company stuff that is good value.

John
dmusgrave OP
3 posts
 
How does the Emotiva compare in sound quality to say the B&K suggested? How do the Dayton's sound? I could afford monoblocks going that route! Better, worse, in what ways?

I don't mind getting my hands dirty and replacing some capacitors to either bring something older up to snuff or to improve something.

I'm actually going to start buying parts for a very nice DIY amp, a part here and a part there, so I will eventually be able to build something worthy... but I'd like something to listen to over the next year as I gather parts other than a silver faced Kenwood :)
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