Budget Amp/Receiver recommendations

Clownbaby
Clownbaby Posts: 50
edited April 2013 in 2 Channel Audio
Looking for something inexpensive to push some '85 Monitor 10b's. MUST have Phono input.

Will be using Technics sl-1300 with moving magnet and moving iron cartridges, Ipod and computer, and maybe cd mega player.

I was pretty intent on getting something 70's and even bought a Kenwood 8100, but it got smashed in shipping, and now am just wanting something trouble-free and adequate, yet have a nice sound and look good.

So now I'm looking at the newish Yamaha a-s500 or r-s500 because they seem to look alright, have a phono input, are uncomplicated, and about 200 bucks.

Any experience with these? will they be troublefree and last a long time?

Any advice or recommendations would be awesome. I like nice sound and nice things, but it has to be inexpensive.
Post edited by Clownbaby on
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    This will be a bedroom set-up and will usually be run at lower volumes
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,639
    edited April 2013
    Thats a hard question. As everyone has different ears and what you like to see in what you want for looks in your eye's....i have had a few receivers and i love the clean accurate sound of a Yamaha on vinyl. Ive tried alot of different ones in the last 3 years getting back into vinyl....and i listen to vinyl at lower volumes as my wifes/our office is right next to my music room...try pin pointing what you may like..then go from there...good luck on your search/feedback
    WELCOME TO CLUB POLK also
    ..
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited April 2013
    I would say go on craigs list and look for a Yamaha, Sansui, Pioneer, Marantz, NAD, or if you do not need a tuner, a lot of the Kenwood integrated amps are outstanding. Also do not rule out ( if you do not need a MC input) many of the realistic receivers or even MCS. On craigslist you can find a lot of old decent receivers and you do not have to worry about shipping and you can try them out before you buy them.

    What area are you from?
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,375
    edited April 2013
    Clownbaby
    Welcome to Club Polk. Where are you located?
    Stan
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    Salt Lake City. Just added my location to the name panel thing.

    Thanks for the replies, I know I'm a little bit just talking out loud, and there are many things to consider and questions only I can answer. I'm just looking for something solid and user friendly.
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  • NJPOLKER
    NJPOLKER Posts: 3,474
    edited April 2013
    I'd look at a integrated amp unless you need a tuner

    Just an idea You cant go wrong with a NAD IA like this or a more economical one.

    http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRB6p4T-OIrH1fW6Gkk_XtMyjf8LEcjTiUd_fbqdfLInb6DjxGCanby0L4j:i.i.com.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/07/15/NAD_610x311.jpg
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    I have looked at NAD because I've heard good things, and they have simple controls. Not too hyped on the looks/aesthetic but I think the sound would make up for it.

    I was looking at the Yamaha r-s500 receiver simply because it seems like it can be had for less money than the a-s500, but radio function is not a priority. I figure I can get a radio station on the computer and run that if I feel like it. The reviews I'm reading comment on the sound being harsh!? Does anyone still make an affordable amp that has good phono input?

    I really dig the Yamaha A-1 and M-4, but cash rules everything around me. There are a lot of 70's Yamaha that I think I would be really happy with.

    The Marantz have such a good name for Phono that it seems they command a premium price on eBay and such.

    I just like the looks and simplicity of the Kenwood silver face amps.

    All said, I may sit on it until I can spend 400 or so, seems that can really open up some awesome options for some truly amazing equipment from the 70's that really performs. And while I'm not opposed to something modern, does anything have good phono input?
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited April 2013
    For 400 ish you could find a adcom gfa555 amp and a adcom 565 preamp. The 565 fo its price is a good solid pre with a great phono pre.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    I will definitely look into those! Thanks so much for the advice, I have never even heard of that brand before.
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  • jumpindick
    jumpindick Posts: 428
    edited April 2013
    look at harman kardon as well. They are good avrs. the older models may come close to your budget. good luck.
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    any specific models you would recommend? everything nowadays seems to be geared to home theater, and all I'm interested in is running 2 speakers and having good phono quality.
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    ooh, I like that alot!

    Is that enough power to run my Polk monitor 10b's?
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    and thanks for the welcome! folks around here seem nice, just like Polk speakers!
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    yes, and the monitor 10 claim 20-to-I think 250 watts per channel? I might be off by a bit on the high level as I'm not looking at the number right now. I'm pretty unknowleageable about such things, so bear with me. Thank you for awesome advice. It may be what I'm looking for.

    I may be somewhat influenced by thevintageknob where power = awesome even though that may no be what I need

    If I was to turn it up loud with 20 watts, would I run a risk of damaging my speakers?
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    If it's enough power, I would make an offer on those, as I like the simple controls.

    I appreciate any suggestions anyone is willing to give. Realize I'm novice and will take your advice with much appreciation.
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    thank you so much for your advice! I really do appreciate it.

    Your receiver is beautiful to me, I love the looks of the late 70's Yamahas, and I imagine sounds wonderful. Your advice will really help me, thank you.
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    I made a modest offer on that 44 combo, thanks for the advice, I value everyones input
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  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,321
    edited April 2013
    I just looked on your local craigslist. You have a ton of options on amps and Receivers of all brands from denon to Kenwood to yamaha to technics. Take a look on there.
    Klipsch The Nines, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    thank you, i do appreciate it. KSL usually gets more use around here, but I mostly look at ebay more than other stuff
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  • Bob in WI
    Bob in WI Posts: 155
    edited April 2013
    I prefer CL myself. Used equipment sight unseen (unlistened) is a crapshoot to me. I don't know all the models & specs either. If a listing interests me, I google the model & take it from there. Shopping is 1/2 the fun. Cheers.
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    You guys are right, and I just picked up a Kenwood Ka-8150 off of CL, seems to be functioning well. Have only tried the Phono 1 and Aux inputs so far since I just picked it up this afternoon. Currently powering Kenwood KL-777D speakers, but can't wait to get my Polk Monitor 10b back working
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    dscn8129o.jpg
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  • boston1450
    boston1450 Posts: 7,639
    edited April 2013
    Nice looking unit. Hope you enjoy it----randy
    ..
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  • vinyladdict
    vinyladdict Posts: 32
    edited April 2013
    Clownbaby wrote: »
    dscn8129o.jpg

    Nice stuff , back when Kenwood was considered higher end. They made good stuff back in the 70's and 80's . That me reminds of the old MCS series that JC Penny used to sell . Stuff was built like a truck .
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  • Bob in WI
    Bob in WI Posts: 155
    edited April 2013
    doesn't that look sharp. Good luck with it. Let us know what you think once you've spent some quality time together.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited April 2013
    Thats pretty sexy. Its one that I wouldnt mind owning. I almost had one in my possesion but it sold out from under me. The HK I have now though is pretty sweet!
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • Pastorfuzz
    Pastorfuzz Posts: 24
    edited April 2013
    I have a Marantz 2252b receiver, 4 Polk Monitor 40's, and a PSW505 in my bedroom and it sounds excellent.
    You can get a good 2252b in good shape for around $300.00. I bought mine for $260.00. I only had to change the dial light bulbs. I went with blue LED's. It has the phono inputs you're looking for and plenty of power to listen to Barry White or Pink Floyd!
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  • plainoledave
    plainoledave Posts: 408
    edited April 2013
    It must sound so good that he doesn't have time to let us know! :wink:

    I highly recommend NAD 3020, 7020, 7125, 7000, 7100 in the under $200 range if anyone else revisits this thread in the future.
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    I've used it for a little bit and the stereo/mono/reverse dial or the middle pass filter button or both have issues where it drops the right channel, but fiddling with them the channel will come back. So I'll probably have to figure out how to deoxit/fader lube it in the future, and hopefully the pass filter button doesn't have a short or anything.

    It sounds all right. I did notice that the low end isn't very punchy, but that may be partially because of the speakers I was using while waiting on a replacement 6 1/2 and just got that today. So I hope that the low end is tighter with the Monitor 10's. I'm about to strip some speaker wire and test out the replacement speaker tonight.
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  • Clownbaby
    Clownbaby Posts: 50
    edited April 2013
    vinyladdict wrote: »
    Nice stuff , back when Kenwood was considered higher end. They made good stuff back in the 70's and 80's . That me reminds of the old MCS series that JC Penny used to sell . Stuff was built like a truck .

    Ha, that's funny, I went out on record store day and didn't buy a single record. But I did stop by a Goodwill and picked up a super-ugly MCS CD player from '86. It was 5 bucks and it works, so I figure I've already got 5 bucks of fun out of it.
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