Upgrade to amp for my monitor 70s!?

carrigan

Hi there everyone! This looks like a friendly forum and I've enjoyed reading through the threads.
Now I'm asking for some suggestions.

I've had a pair of Monitor 70s for the last year. They have been my first Polks and I love them.
Lately I've begun itching for something new to drive them. I have an old 90s Kenwood receiver that
is nothing special in the specs department. I think I'd like to get an integrated amp with some sexy specs.

My budget is tight, and I'm interested in any suggestions under $1000.

So what's a great amp for Polk speakers? What do you guys have? I love to play my music loud, classic 60s/70s pop and rock, mostly vinyl, love the warm, rich, full analog sound.

Thanks!

Habanero Monk

I recently upgraded to some LSi9's and a sub (I picked up the LSi's from someone that was upgrading for a killer price).

My Monitor 70's are fine on my old RX Yamaha receiver even though I am using some Marantz monoblock MA500's. I managed them for $80 per in like new condition. Either way they sound good. You may not need a $1000 integrated amp. Just maybe a higher end older receiver. BTW I picked up the monoblocks for future proofing...

Cayuga

For $1000 you have all kinds of options, I think for your 70's you could get away with half that.

Habanero Monk

++^

I would think for $1000 the money would be better spent on speakers(?). Say $800 for those and $200 for a nice, just slightly older receiver. I picked my 2300 ~18 months ago for $200 and the MA500's for $80 per.

tonyb

Maybe first before you go off and plunk coin down, you should see if your receiver has preouts to add an amp. Also, is this just for 2 channel listening or do you intend to do surround sound ? If just 2 channel, an integrated would fit the bill but then you'd also need a tuner if radio is something you'd like. Options are endless in that price range, first identify your needs, connectivity, and give Audiogon a try.