Receiver or Integrated Amp Recommendations

[mbz]

Never heard a NAD I liked (but I only owned one and it was supposed to be good).

Apologies NAD followers, I must agree, after refurbisments on NAD3150 x 2, NAD3140, NAD3020(3 or 4?). My suggestion for entry level is
the yamaha CA-800, ok, it costs more and is a real PITA to refurbish (a must) but it delivers the goods. For super budget, Rotel RX-202MkII, a
great fun amp.

 

[Electone]

You may want to look at the NAD Power Envelope series. Lots of bang for the buck. Almost always rated 3 times lower than actual output (+6db headroom). NAD 3240PE, 7240PE, 3100, etc.

 

[mbz]

Sadly, I do have 2-3 PE's in the shed waiting for a refurb. I will take on the challenge. Maybe I'm being too tough on the NAD's. In their day
they were cheap and produced a good sound. It's just today we are spoilt for choice, currently refurbing a KA-7100 and a Luxman SQ700X
and ...

 

[KentTeffeteller]

You may want to look at the NAD Power Envelope series. Lots of bang for the buck. Almost always rated 3 times lower than actual output (+6db headroom). NAD 3240PE, 7240PE, 3100, etc.

If you get any NAD, turn off the soft clipping. Any slight sign of audible distress means your amplifier is beyond it's limitations. Bear in mind too that the NAD was good sounding, inexpensive, but very stressed parts due to price point.

 

[Electone]

I've refurbed three NADs now: my original 3240PE which I bought new back in the day and tortured as a teenager. Soft clipping was always left off. Never skipped a beat driving a pair of 4-ohm KEF C95s to ridiculous levels. Also a 1600 preamp/tuner combo and a 2100 amp. NAD kept costs down by manufacturing a lot of stuff in Taiwan and using "local" parts. But the circuit design was excellent and produced great sound.

 

[belgiansound]

Would go for the yamaha a 1000, owned and sold one, was surprised how good it was after reading all the negative press about yamaha having a cold sound. They also have a great build quality

 

[jgannon]

Sony 6060