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Asking for guidance on my first hi-fi system...

Hello, this is my first post here and I am hoping to gain a little confidence in making a purchase of an integrated amp for a nice two channel music only system. I recently built my own speakers, (the Jim Holtz Mini Statements) and auditioned them at my friends house on two different high end audio systems.... Rogue, Electrocompaniet, Van Alstine are a few names I remember of his gear. He helped me confirm that my speakers sound very nice and are a good starting point to build upon. My budget is 500.00 or less for an amp. Currently I use an Onkyo HT-R520 home theatre receiver, set on "Direct" listening mode. Obviously, my speakers don't sound as good with the Onkyo. I believe the bass is over emphasized and the mids and highs are a little lacking in detail.
Here are my objectives:
1. Stay within budget
2. Find something that will sound better and resolve the weaknesses of the Onkyo

Currently I am interested in a 300 to 400 dollar Carver CM 1090 integrated amp. Would this be a wise choice given it's age? or should I be looking at a new NAD, or ?????

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!
jfmerk
mountainsong's avatar
mountainsong
353 posts
 
I owned the NAD 355BEE I sold it, I think I was one of the first buyer of this amp from audio advisor, dark no details dull sound, I have no regrets i sold it, I ended up going up, the only way to hear differences in audio is when you jump for example for an NAD amp and all of the sudden your ears can't live without a class A luxman. Is costly but if you are serious about audio, start with a Rega used amp, Brio 3 or Brio R the new version I owned too, excellent and musical don't buy vintage, too much work repairs and other unexpected things that you will like to be away from....make your first steps in the hobby walking right...
enjoy the music
vhiner
533 posts
 
All of these NAD recommendations are no accident or conspiracy. Their entry level gear punches way beyond the weight class and is known for exceptional reliability. I've used the BEE models for several budget systems and my friends are very pleased. I have a seriously expensive system yet still love the NAD sound and approach; it's very balanced and refined for solid state in this price range.
jfmerk OP
14 posts
 
Thank you everyone for your suggestions! Today I bought a NAD326BEE. I've looked at so many different systems, I was close to analysis paralysis! That's why I came here for guidance and I heard loud and clear to give NAD a try. I look forward to listening to it soon and I will certainly post my thoughts after listening! Thanks again to all!
freediver
585 posts
 
The first thing I would consider is how are your speakers "voiced"?If they are fairly neutral or slightly(or heavily)bright then NAD or Cambridge Audio would be a good choice but if they are warm/ish then I would look to Marantz (fairly neutral electronics)as the 2 I already mentioned tend to have a warm voice.Your budget will by brand new(instead of messing with older/used)& you will get much better build quality/sound.
jfmerk OP
14 posts
 
Yesterday I received my NAD 326BEE and I didn't waste any time getting it set up and listening to some of my favorite music. I think I had a smile stuck on my face the entire time and almost giddy at times. I couldn't be happier with my investment in the NAD. With every piece of music I listened to I heard details that I hadn't heard with my Onkyo HT receiver. My speakers utilize a 4" titanium cone midrange driver and a 3" ribbon tweeter and they just came to life... The best way I can describe it is to say that my old system was like regular TV, the NAD makes it like HDTV... It's really that obvious and so much fun. The bass is just right also, sharp, solid and detailed. Thanks to all for the great suggestions !

One more question though, I assume it will break in to some degree... What might I notice to know that it has been broken in?

Thanks
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