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
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.

jrpnde
80 posts
 
Sorry, but pete23 lost what your main objective is......get an amp that will well suit the speakers that you have. Other upgrades such as more powerful amps and different speakers is in the future if you want that?

Amp and speaker combinations are critical. When I first bought my NAD amp I used a pair of Klipsch bookshelf speakers that I had used with a previous HK integrated amp. Sounded OK. Those speakers weren't the "big box" model bought at Best Buy but their high end Reference line. I was disappointed with the sound.

I went back to my dealer and asked to audition some other bookshelf models with the amp I had. Funny thing...when I first bought the NAD amp I was listening to it thru a pair of PSB speakers at the dealer's showroom. I didn't know at the time that NAD and PSB are or were sister companies. So, there is some compatibility there. Whether NAD sounds even better with speakers of other brands....I don't know.

So, stay with what you want now and see if you want to go down the road to higher end equipment.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mesch
1,679 posts
 
Well, if listening at low levels in a small room, a quality 50wpc amp well drive any honestly rated 6-8 ohm speaker having 85-90dB sensitivity. Pairing the right one to a particular speaker to suit one's preferences is the key.

I have owned the NAD 326BEE and like that one. If wanting something new and at reduced budget the Yahama A-s301 (~$350) is a good bet. 

 
joincoolkidclub OP
3 posts
 
Got it- I'm going to match with what I've got currently (likely a NAD, though I've ready a Rega or Naim would make a nice pairing as well), and find the best overall pairing once I've met my perfect match. Thanks all!
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,578 posts
 
I use the Outlaw RR2150 with the Dentons in a bedroom system.  Nice combination.  Granted I don't do most of my listening with this system, but it does sound good and the Outlaw has done well with other Wharfedale speakers that I have had in the past (Diamond 8.1 and 9.1).

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2160.html  

Rich 
More to discover