nad 326bee at 50 watts per channel, only $500

Thanks, I have seen that on my searches a lot. Your feedback is helpful.

rick

what is your room like, and what are your listening preferences?

Room is a 15x15 spare bedroom. I listen mostly to R&R and folk.

What speakers are you going to be using?

The NAD 326 is not a bad choice, BUT...there is an excellent  current deal on a better amplifier for the same price!

Audio Advisor has marked down the Cambridge Audio 650A from $799 to $499. This is a fantastic deal on an amplifier listed in Recommended Components in the October issue.

A new 651 model is apparently going to be released soon, so this may not be available too much longer. I would advise you to take advantage ASAP.

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I have rediscovered my love for vinyl and I am updating my equipment. Would love to hear any recommendations on the best integrated amps under $700 to use primarily with a turntable but I would be open to a receiver too.

thanks in advance

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Thanks. The CA 650 looks like a great deal. It doesn't have a phono input so would I be correct in concluding I would have to purchase a preamp? If so would you also recommend the CA preamps and what cables would you recommend. This will be be powering a pair of 1975 JBL L88s. I know they are old but I still love the sound.

Thanks

$500 would allow you spending up to $200 for a phono preamp and remain within budget.  Might as well get the Cambridge Audio 640P phono stage for $180 from Audio Advisor at the same time. Should make those L88s sing!

Well reviewed by Stereophile - at least the previous version was - with a phono pre built in and should sell for about $500.  Then buy more records with the extra $200.

I have two homes; The system at one home has The Music Hall MMF-7 turntable with an

Audio Research PH-5 phono preamp which listed at $2000 when I got it.

The other house has the Music Hall MMF-2.2 turntable with the Musical Fidelity phono preamp, which was $149 when I bought it.

They both hace Benz-Micro cartrdges; about $600 each.

The Audio Research PH-5 has remote control and a lot of features, but the Musical Fidelity SOUNDS just as good. None better for under $400.

I highly recommend it, and Audio Advisor is selling it for $99 now.

The phono preamp stage in the Marantz is not very good.

The 650A is also a much better amplifier.

Take a look at this setup

http://emotiva.com/a100.shtm - 2 channel 100 watt amp, small, with volume control - $219

http://www.parasound.com/ParasoundZ/zphono.php - phone amp under $200

For under $420 you have a complete vinyl system that will sound great. If you want more options, consider

http://www.parasound.com/ParasoundZ/zpre2.php

A very small preamp - $350 but can be found for less.

Note- the inability to post pictures is really annoying here!