Hey, guys. I'm shopping for a nice entry-level amplifier to drive my Paradigm 7se's. I'm considering the NAD C325BEE, Rega Brio3 and Rotel RA-1062. I'm on a tight budget (college student). My requirements are basic. I need a MM phono stage and would prefer a headphone jack (which the Rega lacks). If I got the NAD, I'd be purchasing it along with the PP-2 phono preamp. The C325BEE, PP-2 and a decent pair of interconnects for the PP-2 would run $550 plus tax. At $645, the Rega Brio3 with integrated phono input is not much more expensive, nor is the Rotel at $700 (The Rotel also includes a phono section). I've only heard the NAD, but have been impressed, especially coming from home theater receiver purgatory. I plan to audition the Rotel and Rega. My only issue with the Rotel is it's not sold by the dealer with which I have a very good relationship, whereas the NAD and Rega both are sold by my dealer. (By the way, if you live in Southeast Michigan, I cannot speak highly enough of Overture Audio in Ann Arbor.) Does anyone have an opinion on any of these models? Also, are there any hidden gems that I'm overlooking here? $700 is my absolute ceiling (as dictated by the Rotel) and I'd love to stay down in the $500 range. I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say!
Columns Retired Columns & Blogs |