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Budget hi-fi and vintage audio gear

I’m in the process of putting together a budget hi-fi system and I am curious for any advice fellow Arsians could provide. I would like a system that is purely stereo and produces high SQ rather than high SPL. As it stands now, my computer would be the main audio source (MP3, APE, CD) using my TBSC- however I want to eventually add higher quality separates like a CD player, etc. This system will be used in a bedroom/computer room (small apartment) and I’m pretty set on picking up a pair of Axiom Audio’s M2ti speakers. What I’m looking for is a good quality integrated amplifier (not a receiver, I don’t need radio) that is budget priced (~$250 at most). I’ve done some searching around and it seems vintage equipment could yield the best results for my needs. What sort of vintage equipment would you recommend for my needs? I’ve seen the NAD 3020 or 70’s Marantz equipment come highly recommended  https://waveadvice.com/integrated-amplifiers/ ; does anyone have any experience with this equipment? What are some precautions to take regarding the purchasing of 20+ year old audio equipment? What are common problems old integrated amplifiers run into? Any information and suggestions are highly appreciated! Thanks!
128x128pessen
cytocycle
1,034 posts
 
Or consider some powered monitors. 
what has already been said about old gear needing servicing is true and will be costly(I had a Carver amp i let sit in the closet for 2 years, and the caps dried out and it cost me $450 to fix the left channel and I sold it fixed for $450 ugh). NAD equipment doesn't last very long so I would skip that as vintage gear.   honestly, if computer is your source get PS Audio Sprout 100 and use USB Dac connection, and save yourself the cost of extra cables.  wait a little longer and save up the money.
chrshanl37
622 posts
 
millercarbon What are you talking about? His budget is $250. Home audition of used gear (which is probably the road he is going down) is next to impossible. Besides that, with a budget $250 amp it is not advisable to spend money on cones, power cords and ic’s.

 
andrewkelley
15 posts
 
Cones ! Hahhaaa
mzwerner's avatar
mzwerner
17 posts
 
I’ve had amazing success on Craigslist. Often people don’t know/care what they are selling (dumping dead parent’s audio gear or an estate sale) or just want/need to sell gear asap on account of moving, WAF, etc. I bought a mint Rotel RSX-1550 A/V for $100 and on another occasion a McCormack DNA-225 platinum and a pair of Vandy 5’s for $1,800 net (after selling extra power cords and some amp stands that the guy threw in. Gross was $2,400). Just do your research, insist on testing everything (as in every input and output), and bargain like a mad man...
jkevinoc's avatar
jkevinoc
2 posts
 
I too have had great luck on craigslist and eBay, amassing a really great Linn system based on the Sondek LP12 and Kans I bought new in 1983, for a fraction of new cost.
My bet would be to look for 1980-90s Rotel, Arcam, NAD or Denon integrated amps. I have equipment that has lived for 30-40 years without failure. Don't pay attention to naysayers. Anything can happen. 70s vintage can be a slightly bigger risk, but I have a system consisting of a 1961 KnightKit tube amp which my Dad built, my original AR XB turntable from 1974, and Smaller Advent Loudspeakers from craigslist. It is amazing still. I did have a pair of Advents from 1974 til 1985-6 which I sold.

If you live within driving distance of a big urban center, there are more possibilities for actually listening to equipment. CL sellers often willing to demo speakers, etc. to reassure potential purchasers. 

Good examples:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/ele/d/ridgewood-creek-4330-integrated-amp/6787513212.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/ele/d/fairfield-denon-vintage-stereo-receiver/6781822814.html

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/ele/d/berkeley-heights-ariston-image/6785805117.html

I recently bought a pair of Linn Kan speakers from the third lister above. He also has a good selection of electronics. Great experience.

There is a good chance of a "Craigslist adventure"! You might make a friend.
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