2. amps-preamps
  3. 146900-128499

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
stevecham
3,298 posts
 
I wouldn't say too much warmth at all; just right.

Those Dentons arent really worth very much on the used market, better to keep them for a rainy day or a gift I would think.
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jrpnde
80 posts
 
stevecham makes a good point. "Warmth" I believe is a subjective term and is dependent on the human ears, speaker pairing, and room acoustics. I can only add my opinion concerning NAD gear since I have experience with the brand.........

The C326BEE is a good choice. While power rating is nothing huge it still has the current to drive many speakers adequately. I believe the 326 is the only slightly older NAD line to retain it's model designation when their newest line came out. It is closest to the NAD 3020 (a vintage classic) than any others in that price range. The NAD amps a couple of steps up in power from the 326 don't sound quite as musical.

I have a trusted dealer and, while auditioning amps, he recommended the 326 although he had higher priced models. The C356BEE, while being more powerful, didn't sound quite as musical  as the 326. I settled on the C375BEE which sounded as good as the 326 but with a bit more power. It has the capability to add a phono and/or DAC module but I haven't added either to my system.

So, auditioning used/vintage stuff is difficult unless you have access to a dealer who carries used equipment. Good Luck.
joincoolkidclub OP
3 posts
 
Thank again everyone- the NAD (326) keeps coming up as a recommendation, and seems rather appealing considering the price. The S500/501-801 seems alright but I'm not sure I really need that much power.

I guess the decision will likely come down to whether I should commit to the NAD versus trying to score a deal on something higher end...
pete23
27 posts
 
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.

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