can anyone recommend some stereo amps to audition? (i don't know jack about home stereos). i'm looking for something that's clean and low noise with maybe a mild low end bump and fairly flat high end response; something that is ergonomically simple (no 'THX sub-theatre max boost' switches or anything) and is limited to audio (no home theatre or tv inputs necessary). basically, just a solid step up from my hand-me-down Pioneer system that's not outrageously expensive would be ideal. any suggestions are appreciated, thanks.

154-
Try to find an NAD C 740 if you have efficient speakers. Their new integrated amps are pretty good too, and not too much $$$ if you can live without a radio (how are things in your town?).
Some of the Rotel receivers are good, too.
It's really hard to go into a Hi Fi place and not get bombarded with multi-channel home theatre bullshit. Ugh.
Good luck.

Jay

154 wrote:can anyone recommend some stereo amps to audition? (i don't know jack about home stereos). i'm looking for something that's clean and low noise with maybe a mild low end bump and fairly flat high end response; something that is ergonomically simple (no 'THX sub-theatre max boost' switches or anything) and is limited to audio (no home theatre or tv inputs necessary). basically, just a solid step up from my hand-me-down Pioneer system that's not outrageously expensive would be ideal. any suggestions are appreciated, thanks.

I just picked up an Onkyo TX-8211 from Circuit City for $200.00. It might be what you're looking for. It is a receiver, not a stand alone amp or preamp combo.

http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_118696_1 ... px#reviews

arcam makes good, reasonably priced things of this nature

also myryad, which was started by some guys from arcam

If you're willing to go with separate components, a NAD pre-amp with one of the ADCOM power amps from the 500 series ( 535, 545, 555...) will give you clean power with plenty of headroom. This is all good stuff from the '90's with heavy transformers and sturdy wiring. I always buy this kind of gear from Ebay; I would start there. Saturday Audio Exchange in Chicago will likely have ADCOM's, too, but you'll pay more.

I have an Arcam Alpha 8R that I totally love, I would definately recommend it if you can find one. As simple as can be and sounds great.

A friend has one of the newer Diva (I think) series amps, which is pretty nice as well, but I just fell in love with my 8R through a pair of late 70's Polk Studio Monitor 10B speakers (also great sounding, and a steal if you can find them in good condition... be careful of blown or mismatched tweeters in used ones, however... I need to replace mine, and it is hard to come by the right models for the older speakers, as they are no longer manufactured).

The Polks are a little heavy (sometimes muddy/slow) in the bass due to the passive radiator, but response is pretty even beyond that. Sounds great for rock, jazz, electronic, ok for classical.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, A nice Dual 1219/1229 or Thorens TD-124/125/145 etc. turntable with a Grado Gold or Silver Cartridge sounds great with this setup.

I have an Arcam Alpha 8R that I totally love, I would definately recommend it if you can find one. As simple as can be and sounds great.

A friend has one of the newer Diva (I think) series amps, which is pretty nice as well, but I just fell in love with my 8R through a pair of late 70's Polk Studio Monitor 10B speakers (also great sounding, and a steal if you can find them in good condition... be careful of blown or mismatched tweeters in used ones, however... I need to replace mine, and it is hard to come by the right models for the older speakers, as they are no longer manufactured).

The Polks are a little heavy (sometimes muddy/slow) in the bass due to the passive radiator, but response is pretty even beyond that. Sounds great for rock, jazz, electronic, ok for classical.

Oh, and in case you are wondering, A nice Dual 1219/1229 or Thorens TD-124/125/145 etc. turntable with a Grado Gold or Silver Cartridge sounds great with this setup.

cool, thanks for all the names and descriptions. now, hopefully i can find a place that isn't completely lame to go listen to some of these systems.

Yamaha stuff sounds good. There's a Natural Sound series integrated amp that's a basic stereo reciever - no 5.1 bullshit, around $250. I got one for my parents, who could care less about that stuff...

Chas

Hey.

Couldn't find a specific answer to this one...

So the old man needs a new receiver for Xmas but is adamant that he doesn't want one with all the home-theater bullshit.

He wants the basics - - Tape, CD, Aux, and most importantly - PHONO - god-help-you.

I know I could scour Ebay for something old, but that's no good in this case.

Anyone know of anything specific from one of the boutique-y companies, ie - the Harmon X1$#-XLR?

Thanks in advance.