Help deciding on a first amp

[jammy56]

Hi all,

Im just getting into my first hifi setup and am trying to decide (decode) on the amp.. Recently I picked up a pair of B&W 602 s2's along with a Pro-ject Debut III TT. The only thing that is on my list is the amplifier but I'm looking to get something around the £100-150 pricerange (new or 2nd Hand)


In an ideal world I would look at getting a Marantz PM6003, but its just a bit too far out of my budget..

I'm aware rotels would be a good match but buying second hand the numbers and model variations are very confusing...

Any suggestions?

[russ abbott - royds brother]

HHi,

Maybe an a&r a60
myst tm3
or one one of the older rotels

All of these will let you use your project without getting a phono stage.

[Rapid 17]

What about a brand new Sony receiver ? see here http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/p...roduct_ID/5231

£120.00 including delivery here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-STRDH10...6061019&sr=1-8

Geoff.

Sorry, forget this, no provision for a TT.

[culturecrammer]

THe outgoing model of the Rega Brio 3. They were £330 new, now they're £250 new, and you should be able to pick one up 2nd hand for £150 without difficulty. Best bargain in hi fi IMHO.

Even at £330 they were an amazing little amp for the money. I compared mine to a Rega Mira (£600), and the difference wasn't compelling. I had to go all the way to a Rega Elicit (£1450) to really leave the Brio behind. I've also compared the Brio to another award-winning mid-range (£1200) amp and preferred the Brio.

Lovely warm, sweet sound but also dynamic, with BAGS of get up and go - and decent levels of detail. Has a great in-built Phono stage, too.

Hi all,

Im just getting into my first hifi setup and am trying to decide (decode) on the amp.. Recently I picked up a pair of B&W 602 s2's along with a Pro-ject Debut III TT. The only thing that is on my list is the amplifier but I'm looking to get something around the £100-150 pricerange (new or 2nd Hand)


In an ideal world I would look at getting a Marantz PM6003, but its just a bit too far out of my budget..

I'm aware rotels would be a good match but buying second hand the numbers and model variations are very confusing...

Any suggestions?

[yoda900]

Sony ES or QS with phono. Built like tanks, will control your speakers so that the bass is not boomy and should last a lifetime. Should find one in budget if you have the room for it. Original Cyrus 2 also very good and you could add a PSX later but at double the cost.
If you find a Myst in budget they are stunning but not sure with your speakers. Others may advise.

[age136]

Marantz pm 7200 , sounds great ran in class a mode. Comfortably within budget.

[psychochicken]

I'd second the Brio recommendation, but whatever you get, enjoy your first hi-fi!!

[Jagged24]

I started out with a Cambridge Audio 640A (widely available 2nd-hand within your price range) that I enjoyed with a vinyl source, but think the Brio may be better if you can find one. (The CA amp will need a phono stage)

[jammy56]

Thank you for the replies. Yep gunna have to have to be integrated

The Brio looks like a good option, but there fairly few and far between. Only a couple on ebay and a bit out of my price range...

I did see som pm7200's age136, but I think they are just a bit big for me right now, I'm fonder of the thinner amps.

Around my travels on this forum I checked out the classified and cam across an Rotel RA-02. I'm very tempted to pick it up. They look great, and should (?) match well. Also has a headphone out which I am keen on...

[Butuz]

Arcam A65/A75/A85 would be quite nice too I think. Nice and slim.

Butuz

[blackholesun]

With B&W 602s I would steer clear of Rotel amps unless you like bright presentation. I listened to 603s, 602s and 685s with Rotel amps and found it quite fatiguing to my ears.

[culturecrammer]

If you can't stretch to the Brio (try!), I agree the Cambridge 640a is a good bet. I started on the hi-fi ladder with Cambridge stuff and was very happy, great value for money.

[nsherin]

Arcam A65/A75/A85 would be quite nice too I think. Nice and slim.

Butuz

An excellent recommendation - warm, detailed but without sounding too laid back or clinical. The phono stages are pretty decent in them too, going by my experience with the FMJ A18. Any of those 3 would be a good buy. Build quality is excellent too!

[HectorHughMunro]

I would go either for a Topping TP20 or TP60 for about £45 or £140 respectively from the well known auction site.

Second hand, probably a Sony ES as mentioned elsewhere in this thread. I would also suggest Armstrong 625, 626 and 623 receivers and amp.

[googleborg]

a nad c320bee, totally rocking

[nsherin]

a nad c320bee, totally rocking

Another excellent choice - ran one of those for a few years and found it really enjoyable.

[NAM]

Second hand creek4040 .....? £50 or s and often available s/h

[hifinutt]

creek does seem to get amazing reviews
arcam is very reliable and i rather like their build quailty too

[Hamish]

Pioneer A400 or A400X. Often crop up on ebay. They have phono stages in them so no need for a seperate phoono pre-amp, but if you go tone a thte right price you may have cash left for one of the phono stages Jerry mentions in this...

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread...ized-vinyl-rig
What ever amp you are after, put up a wanted int eh private classified for it and also keep an eye on ebay.

Good luck (and welcome).

[Cambs12]

Heard an Audio Innovations Alto at Phil's bakeoff at the weekend.I understand these can be bought used within your budget.Cracking amp,and as a few folk have said,makes you wonder why you would spend more.Might even get one myself for a second system.