My buddy wants an used integrated amp, any suggestions?

dromunds

A buddy of mine was over this weekend and told me he wants to go a different direction for awhile. He's not an "audiophile" so I'll throw that out there initially. But he likes music. And I'll enable anybody who is into music and audio gear. He says he's not listening to his HT much right now, and wants to "put it down for awhile." He should put his girlfriend down for awhile, he'd have a lot more dough for this hobby. Truly. Lol. Anyway, he wants to get a used integrated amp and run a 2-channel system. He's not into digital files currently, but that's not to say he won't be. He will mostly be doing vinyl and CDs. Not a real high end guy but wants quality power that is easy to operate. Not a lot of bells and whistles. For the time being he will be using Klipsch KG-4's but may go to something else, maybe even my Kappa 8's. I'm thinking his budget is not over a grand for a used integrated. Anybody have any suggestions? If further questions or concerns let me know or PM me. Thanks in advance for any help.

motorhead43026

Anthem 225, bare bones except for phono input. There were some NOS on ebay, not to long ago in this price range. I believe with full warranty as well.

mlistens03

KG-4’s are easy enough to drive and efficient enough for a Dayens Ampino or Menuetto (I hope I spelled that right), although I’ve never actually heard either of those. Although you’ll almost certainly have issues if he switches to the Kappas.
NAD? My C352 is awesome, and it is a base model I payed $300 for. I can’t imagine how the higher up models sound.

DaveHo

Shameless plug...

This may be lower than he was aiming, but I have an Adcom GCA-510 I'm planning to list. For those unfamiliar with it, it's a variant of the SLC-505 and GFA-535 in one chassis. No phono-pre and not remote capable, but checks all the other boxes. Shoot me a PM if interested.

dromunds

What about Musical Fidelity? Others? Not up on integrated amps these days. I'll pass on the above comments. Appreciate it.

WLDock

Anthem 225 for $900 - https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis970j4-anthem-int-225-solid-state
NAD M3 - $999 - https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis96g81-nad-m3-integrated-solid-state

Also, don't rule of the Outlaw Audio RR2160 for $799 (Underwood Hi Fi 30 day at home trial)-$849 (Outlaw audio) new. Very good feedback around the net -

https://community.klipsch.com/index.php?/topic/172324-2-channel-stereo-replacement/&do=findComment&comment=2189924

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2160.html
https://www.underwoodhifi.com/products/outlaw-audio

Underwood HiFi had a nice demo system using it at the 2018 AXPONA show:

verb

I can attest that my Dayens integrated is absolutely sweet sounding! In the spare room too, for when the kids come to visit. What's the matter with me?

mhardy6647

dromunds wrote: »

A buddy of mine was over this weekend and told me he wants to go a different direction for awhile. He's not an "audiophile" so I'll throw that out there initially. But he likes music. And I'll enable anybody who is into music and audio gear. He says he's not listening to his HT much right now, and wants to "put it down for awhile." He should put his girlfriend down for awhile, he'd have a lot more dough for this hobby. Truly. Lol. Anyway, he wants to get a used integrated amp and run a 2-channel system. He's not into digital files currently, but that's not to say he won't be. He will mostly be doing vinyl and CDs. Not a real high end guy but wants quality power that is easy to operate. Not a lot of bells and whistles. For the time being he will be using Klipsch KG-4's but may go to something else, maybe even my Kappa 8's. I'm thinking his budget is not over a grand for a used integrated. Anybody have any suggestions? If further questions or concerns let me know or PM me. Thanks in advance for any help.

ooh, a thousand smackers ought to yield lots of options.
What will one kilobuck buy in terms of the modern crop of Yamaha two channel integrateds (new or used)?

Bear in mind that any amplifier that doesn't sound great at really low output levels (< 100 milliwatts, e.g.) may be a bit disappointing on those Klipsches -- unless, that is, your buddy does all listening at paint-removal/weapons of mass destruction SPLs.

Also, and strictly FWIW, my SWAG is that the KG4s and the Kappa 8s are pretty much polar opposites in terms of their amplifier-friendliness. Infinity seemed to have this philosophy (EDIT: at least for a while) that it wasn't a bad idea to make loudspeakers that sometimes seemed purpose-engineered to release the magic smoke from an average (mediocre) amplifier. The Kappa 8 has a pretty sadistic impedance curve (and we'll see if Vanilla will censor sadistic!).

EndersShadow

@WLDock

That ANTHEM!!!!

WLDock

EndersShadow wrote: »

@WLDock
That ANTHEM!!!!

Yeah, that would be cool for my quest for a living room system. However, a simplified setup like the Kef LS50 Wireless and a small sub like the KEF R400b fill my dreams.

dromunds

Thanks fellas. Yeah, he wants to feel that whatever he gets will handle something power hungry like the Kappa 8’s. Good suggestions here. Skip, I don’t think he’s up for tube monoblocks. He’s gonna get a bunch of good suggestions so he can get his learn on. Looking at all these sweet integrated gives me the itch myself but I must keep my eyes at home. Lol. Any other suggestions will be appreciated and I’ll keep you updated as to what’s he’s thinking.

delkal

Are you sure your buddy needs or will even appreciate a $1000 amplifier? Yes I know most Polkies at least that for starters or they are slumming......But does your friend need one as his first stereo rig?

Lots I need to know before I can recommend something.

Is he young or old? It doesn't take much to blow away a millennial.

Does he have money he can just spend no questions asked and not miss later? Or a tight budget with a wife/girlfriends that will not understand?

Craigslist is littered with mid 90's integrated amps for $200-400. Tell him to find a early 90's Denon PMA series amp for under $200 and crank those speakers up. Chances are that will keep him happy for a while.

dromunds

By the way, I’ve got my Kappa 8’s in the main system right now and I’m remembering how they ain’t bad. At all. Always liked that vintage Infinity sound. It’s fun to mix up the speaks once in awhile. I’m running the Kappa 8’s on my 1950’s Heathkit W5m monoblocks that were completely rebuilt to Heath specs by Gary Dodd and Charlie Cocci. They have no trouble running the Kappas at all. Sound pretty dang good indeed. My buddy may be keeping the Klipsch for some time. Even if he’s preparing that he may not. Lol.

dromunds

delkal wrote: »

Are you sure your buddy needs or will even appreciate a $1000 amplifier? Yes I know most Polkies at least that for starters or they are slumming......But does your friend need one as his first stereo rig?

Lots I need to know before I can recommend something.

Is he young or old? It doesn't take much to blow away a millennial.

Does he have money he can just spend no questions asked and not miss later? Or a tight budget with a wife/girlfriends that will not understand?

Craigslist is littered with mid 90's integrated amps for $200-400. Tell him to find a early 90's Denon PMA series amp for under $200 and crank those speakers up. Chances are that will keep him happy for a while.

He has a good occupation, in his 50’s but never an “audiophile” so to speak although very much likes his music. So, this is by no means his first gear, but he’s had his current HT system for a real long time and it’s pretty pedestrian by Polkie standards. And it’s been quite some time indeed that he’s had a real 2 channel system. I’m going to be asking him to get more focused on where he really wants to go regarding some issues. I can see a few different issues he will need to give some thought to before going further. I know he likes the idea of vintage generally but I also know he would want to avoid issues with repairs as much as practicable, so I was thinking he’d want to go with newer used, but I’m going to have to talk to him more. Some real good suggestions for him here that’s for sure. Appreciate them all.

mlistens03

Not sure where you are located, but there is a denon PMA-1060 on the Orlando CL right now, which I almost bought, but I got the NAD instead. FWIW. $200, IIRC.

jeremymarcinko

Yamaha A-S801
https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamas801sl/yamaha-a-s801-2-ch-x-100-watts-integrated-amplifier-w/built-in-dac-silver/1.html

hochpt21

dromunds wrote: »

What about Musical Fidelity? Others? Not up on integrated amps these days. I'll pass on the above comments. Appreciate it.

An A5 or an A308 all day if you can find one. I’m happy, but I really miss my 308.

verb

I've been very happy with my Marantz AMP-1. Has a built in DAC, which is excellent. I use it for my nearfield setup, but am sure would be nice for a larger setup.

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/181539/marantz-amp-1-in-the-house#latest

Mikey081057

This is a steal for $750 because the case is scuffed. You can get it replaced by Peachtree...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/253958077640

mlistens03

Another idea... Mission Cyrus 1 or 2. These usually go for $200-$400 depending on condition. Very bare bones though. I’ve never heard one, but I’d like to hear one myself someday.