Integrated under 1k (hopefully 500) for Wharfedale Dentons & Snell


Trying to upgrade my system to better match some of new (to me) speakers. Interested in comparing the pros and cons of going vintage vs new(er) and where diminishing returns kick in based on my environment. Not opposed to used and do not really need a DAC as I have a Schiit Mimby. Listening at mostly low levels in a small room to a huge array of music, but mostly chamber, vocal, ambient, neo-classical, and some modernish pop. After a LOT of research I’m tending towards a few options:

  • Older/Cheaper (all between $150 and 350)

-NAD C740/C340/326BEE

-Rotel (like RA-02/931)

-new cheap Onkyo (9010 etc)

  • Newer/Not cheaper

-Jolida JD301 ($500)

-Arcam A19 ($600)

-Marantz 6005 ($400)

-Rega Brio-R ($550)

  • Big Stretch

-Hegel H80 ($900)

-Naim Nait 5i ($850)

-Krell 300i ($1100)

-Rogue Sphinx ($900)

-Moon 220i ($1000)

I know this seems so all over the map, just trying to decide what makes sense based on my speakers and listening preferences. Open to other thoughts as well. Thanks!
joincoolkidclub

Showing 1 response by pete23

Music direct has the 326bee for $450 right now. Seems like a good deal.https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/nad-c-326bee-integrated-amp
I don’t think 50 wpc would allow all the possible combinations of future speakers to shine through but it should be enough for under $1k bookshelves to get an idea. After all some people drive the well regarded kef ls50 with 150-200wpc to get them opened up.