Erm.. AVOID the Acurus at all costs: Horrid /shrill /unpleasant with thumping bass is the charitable description.
30 watts is still an adequate amount of power ..typical listening in an apartment levels are likely well below 5 watts..
There are simple testings pgms (downloadable) run with ones' soundcard that can measure the wattages being used.
Surprisingly few watts are typically needed.. Many are surprised when testing proves it in their own setups.
High power is often lies and rarely needed...unless ones' speakers are primitive 85db efficiency types..
in which case They! should be the component needing to be replaced.
.Really?? I often put 300-400 watts RMS through my K-Horns , saves on concert tickets...
Our OP has KEF speakers which are 4 ohm nominal, very inefficient, and can dip lower. Separates recommended which can play safely into a 2 ohm load. Not inexpensive then or now. Our KEF monitors at work are powered by McIntosh power amplifiers with autoformers. NAD not recommended. On our OP budget, less demanding speakers would be recommended which are efficient and undemanding to drive. He needs at least 150 WPC into 4 ohms and very high continuous current to make the KEF speakers come alive. Not an inexpensive proposition.
Really?? I often put 300-400 watts RMS through my K-Horns , saves on concert tickets...
With this in mind I would suggest the OP get a power amp and use his existing receiver as his pre.
I just picked up a BGW 500D for $65, which just needed a minor repair. 200 watts per channel.
There should be plenty of options available in the $300 range.
Our OP has KEF speakers which are 4 ohm nominal, very inefficient, and can dip lower. Separates recommended which can play safely into a 2 ohm load. Not inexpensive then or now. Our KEF monitors at work are powered by McIntosh power amplifiers with autoformers. NAD not recommended. On our OP budget, less demanding speakers would be recommended which are efficient and undemanding to drive. He needs at least 150 WPC into 4 ohms and very high continuous current to make the KEF speakers come alive. Not an inexpensive proposition.
I like your style!