1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 134128-2198

Integrated or Receiver?

That is the question.

As my luck would have it, my near 30 year old Denon PMA520 integrated amp is apparently on its way out.  I've already spent $150 to fix one problem only to have one channel all but vanish (can hear some high end audio but it is faint) and the other channel cuts in and out.  Since I had the unit cleaned just a few weeks ago and the noise that had cropped up in deep bass, I would have to believe this is another problem and would require additional servicing at additional cost.

The way I see it, this is throwing good money after bad.  Will probably scrap this thing and will buy something new.

Since my budget is going to be under $400 right now thanks to a slew of other expenses that take priority, I am wondering if I should just settle for a basic entry level amp like the Yamaha 301 or Onkyo 9050 or purchase a Receiver from Yamaha or some other company that is fairly inexpensive and use that for a couple of years until I can buy a better integrated amp when I should have more money to budget for it.

Any thoughts on this?
will62
will62 OP
166 posts
 
Thanks for the additional suggestions.  When I have time this week I will look into them.

1graber2.  The NAD CD player that I had died after a year and a week.  Warranty was for one year and right as it expired, it promptly bit the dust.  Bought a Cambridge Audio after that and it lasted a few years.
helomech
766 posts
 
With a little searching you should be able to find a Yamaha A-S501 under $400. It would take most NADs to school IME.
mesch
1,679 posts
 
+1 helomech. The Yamaha A-S501 is a nice piece if you wish to purchase new and you think it will fit into your future system. It has internal phonostage and DAC (no USB input). Also a subwoofer output. 
will62 OP
166 posts
 
Yes, I am looking at the new Yamaha stuff now.

One problem I am running into is trying to find a amp or receiver that will allow me to Biwire my 6 ohm Mirage OM 10's.  Every amp or receiver I've looked at can't handle the lower impedance except when the OM 10's are not Biwired.  My Castle's are 8 ohm and don't present that problem.  
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
779 posts
 
I would go integrated. I think you have a tough decision. Many here will go window shopping for you to spend your money. It is difficult to fish out good suggestions from the hype or advertising on a piece of gear or even sugggestions. If I am looking for audio suggestions I tend to listen to others who have owned the equipment they suggest and are not overly enamored. Yamaha is a good choice although I have not owned a receiver by them in many years. Just make sure the amp section has the current and capability to drive your speakers, that is key for good sound, since an underpowered amp will strain with power hungry speakers. Good luck.
More to discover