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March 4, 2007 - 5:10pm
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Budget integrated amp face-off! Please help this newbie choose!!
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Have you done a compare and contrast on each systems' specifications? Which have reviews you can read? The problem is is that no one probably has owned each and every amplifier. You need to do some homework. What is the rest of your system? Make sure that when you take advice from anyone on this forum that they have the proper credentials. Don't be afraid to ask. Do you have any Linda Ronstadt?
Is there anything in particular you like or don't like about the four you list? All are good choices.
The new NAD C 325BEE is a great choice (50w/channel, $400.00)
The Cambridge Audio Azur 340A is $330 everywhere, and sounds good. However, if you have a large room and inefficient speakers you may not be satisfied with it. You may like the sound of the Jolida hybrid but you could get a NAD C352 for the same price. I'd save some money and look for a Rotel RA-1062. There are several on AudiogoN.
Give us a little more to go on, Dean. All digital sources? What speakers? What kind of music do you play? How big is your room? Have you arrived at your short list through a local dealer? Do you have access to a dealer who will let you audition amps in your system?
There are lots of good budget amps out there today, but, at every level of cost, system matching and musical tastes are important considerations.