Hi-Fi amp recommendations please
Discussion
First off, I'm no expert, but I do like listening to my vinyl and occasionally Spotify via my lounge separates set up.
Currently I have a Sony amp that also switches between the separates but doesn't have Bluetooth which I'd quite like for ease of streaming Spotify.
I'd like something that will rattle the windows if I want it to, but also something that is going to give me a decent sound quality at 'normal' volumes.
My current amp seems to have blown one channel, probably due to my enthusiasm and Merlot. So, I'm looking for a replacement. It needs to drive two four way floor mounted Eltax speakers which (told you I'm no expert) have this on the back...
What should I be looking to spend, and is there anything else I should consider?
Eta: To match, it needs to be silver not black.
Currently I have a Sony amp that also switches between the separates but doesn't have Bluetooth which I'd quite like for ease of streaming Spotify.
I'd like something that will rattle the windows if I want it to, but also something that is going to give me a decent sound quality at 'normal' volumes.
My current amp seems to have blown one channel, probably due to my enthusiasm and Merlot. So, I'm looking for a replacement. It needs to drive two four way floor mounted Eltax speakers which (told you I'm no expert) have this on the back...
What should I be looking to spend, and is there anything else I should consider?
Eta: To match, it needs to be silver not black.
Edited by Jordie Barretts sock on Friday 13th January 16:42
Unless you want to get fancy the likes of Marantz and Cambridge are worth a look (Richer Sounds etc).
Audiolab amps are also pretty good value.
Whichever way you go, try to avoid stuff loaded with clever gizmos that you're never going to use. Basic amps have a lot longer useful lifespan than this year's fashion accessory.
Audiolab amps are also pretty good value.
Whichever way you go, try to avoid stuff loaded with clever gizmos that you're never going to use. Basic amps have a lot longer useful lifespan than this year's fashion accessory.
Bluetooth - and with enough power to rattle the windows when the merlot is flowing - but able to muster decent sound at lower volumes too. Not black.
Sounds like a job for a Cambridge Audio AXR100. LINK
This is a 100W/ch amp with built-in Bluetooth module and infrared remote control. There's a decent array of inputs, including a couple of digitals. This means you could hook up a flatscreen TV optical connection to get telly sound through those big speakers. Last Night of the Proms would sound lush. There's also a direct turntable connection for a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge or you can use one of the line inputs if your TT has Phono/Line out. Either way you're covered with no need for extra boxes (phono pre-amps).
Creature comforts include a full function remote control which can also be used to tweak the bass and treble. This is handy for lower volume or late night listening when you don't need to be at higher volumes.
The power of the amp is stall a way off the maximum rating of the speakers, but there should be more than enough juice on top to give you plenty of volume without the amp straining. That means a lower risk of blowing a channel and also smoother sounds if the amp isn't running out of steam.
The price is £449
There's a factory refurbished unit selling direct from CA via Ebay for £299. Ebay item number 334698187421. Includes a 2 year warranty.
New isn't your only option, but older amps are unlikely to have Bluetooth built-in and may not have a dedicated phono input seeing as vinyl went out of fashion for a while.
The Arcam A85 is available in silver and works from remote control. There's plenty enough power on tap at 85W into 8 Ohms. The power supply is also pretty robust. That's a good sign. The amp increases its power by 50% into half the impedance load (4 Ohms). Used prices vary with condition and whether they are a 'collect in person' sale. Expect to pay (low) £150 to (high) £350.
There are various Cambridge Audio amps popping up regularly on Ebay. Search "Cambridge Azur" - some of them go for silly cheap money; These are SOLD but listed as examples of real prices: an Azur 640A for £47, no remote and not pristine condition, but damned cheap. Another Azur 640A for £41. An Azur 650A for £69
The Rotel RA11 Tribute has BT, phono input and remote control. 75W/ch. Used @ £335 Ebay 325490844017
Rotel RA-1062 - no BT but does have a phono input and remote control. 60W/ch @ £320 Ebay 354146843895
Bluetooth receivers can be picked up from around £20
Sounds like a job for a Cambridge Audio AXR100. LINK
This is a 100W/ch amp with built-in Bluetooth module and infrared remote control. There's a decent array of inputs, including a couple of digitals. This means you could hook up a flatscreen TV optical connection to get telly sound through those big speakers. Last Night of the Proms would sound lush. There's also a direct turntable connection for a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge or you can use one of the line inputs if your TT has Phono/Line out. Either way you're covered with no need for extra boxes (phono pre-amps).
Creature comforts include a full function remote control which can also be used to tweak the bass and treble. This is handy for lower volume or late night listening when you don't need to be at higher volumes.
The power of the amp is stall a way off the maximum rating of the speakers, but there should be more than enough juice on top to give you plenty of volume without the amp straining. That means a lower risk of blowing a channel and also smoother sounds if the amp isn't running out of steam.
The price is £449
There's a factory refurbished unit selling direct from CA via Ebay for £299. Ebay item number 334698187421. Includes a 2 year warranty.
New isn't your only option, but older amps are unlikely to have Bluetooth built-in and may not have a dedicated phono input seeing as vinyl went out of fashion for a while.
The Arcam A85 is available in silver and works from remote control. There's plenty enough power on tap at 85W into 8 Ohms. The power supply is also pretty robust. That's a good sign. The amp increases its power by 50% into half the impedance load (4 Ohms). Used prices vary with condition and whether they are a 'collect in person' sale. Expect to pay (low) £150 to (high) £350.
There are various Cambridge Audio amps popping up regularly on Ebay. Search "Cambridge Azur" - some of them go for silly cheap money; These are SOLD but listed as examples of real prices: an Azur 640A for £47, no remote and not pristine condition, but damned cheap. Another Azur 640A for £41. An Azur 650A for £69
The Rotel RA11 Tribute has BT, phono input and remote control. 75W/ch. Used @ £335 Ebay 325490844017
Rotel RA-1062 - no BT but does have a phono input and remote control. 60W/ch @ £320 Ebay 354146843895
Bluetooth receivers can be picked up from around £20
I bought a second hand Yamaha Avantage RX-A1060 last year for home theatre duties. £200 (over a grand a few years ago new)
Tick all your boxes and then some (has phono input too). The build quality and sound is simply superb. You can use it for two channels, with room to expand once you discover HD 5.1 audio.
You'll be needing a speaker upgrade next
Once you start down the road of enjoying decent audio, it's difficult to turn back! This makes the second hand market an absolute gold mine of decent, but much cheaper than new kit though.
Tick all your boxes and then some (has phono input too). The build quality and sound is simply superb. You can use it for two channels, with room to expand once you discover HD 5.1 audio.
You'll be needing a speaker upgrade next
Once you start down the road of enjoying decent audio, it's difficult to turn back! This makes the second hand market an absolute gold mine of decent, but much cheaper than new kit though.Edited by Timothy Bucktu on Saturday 14th January 09:25
bcr5784 said:
The Denon DRA 800 has a very similar spec and price to the AXR100, so worth considering. The Denon has DAB which the Cambridge doesn't.
If the Audiosciencereview is any guide, I think I'd leave the Denon alone. - runs hot - terrible noise floor etc
I know not every person is the same, but out of all the AV receivers I have installed, I reckon fewer than 1% of customers bothered adding aerials for FM and/or DAB.
LINK to ASR measurements
Lucid_AV said:
bcr5784 said:
The Denon DRA 800 has a very similar spec and price to the AXR100, so worth considering. The Denon has DAB which the Cambridge doesn't.
If the Audiosciencereview is any guide, I think I'd leave the Denon alone. - runs hot - terrible noise floor etc
I know not every person is the same, but out of all the AV receivers I have installed, I reckon fewer than 1% of customers bothered adding aerials for FM and/or DAB.
LINK to ASR measurements
An integrated amp with Bluetooth really limits your options unless choosing an AVR. If you bought a separate Bluetooth receiver or music streamer - even a second hand Chromecast, then you would have a far greater choice of new and old amps to match your speakers.
Jordie Barretts sock said:
OutInTheShed said:
Always curious exactly what's blown up on the old amp.
Might just need a new fuse....
Good market for non-working amps on ebay
No idea. I might have a look inside one of these days. No idea what I'm looking at, mind! Might just need a new fuse....
Good market for non-working amps on ebay
Whatever amp you go for, I'd update the speaker cable for something a bit more chunky as the current one looks rather weedy - doesn't have to be expensive stuff, Amazon basics or Kabeldirekt in 2.5mm² oxygen free copper - www.amazon.co.uk/KabelDirekt-2x2-5mm%C2%B2-Speaker...
Lucid_AV said:
If the Audiosciencereview is any guide, I think I'd leave the Denon alone.
- runs hot - terrible noise floor etc
I know not every person is the same, but out of all the AV receivers I have installed, I reckon fewer than 1% of customers bothered adding aerials for FM and/or DAB.
LINK to ASR measurements
I saw that review and still bought one. Yes it will run hot if you are putting out 200watts continuously - but unless you are deaf you certainly won't be doing that. You do need to give it a bit of air circulation room, so I wouldn't put in a tightly enclosed space. Noise floor - not an issue in practical use.- runs hot - terrible noise floor etc
I know not every person is the same, but out of all the AV receivers I have installed, I reckon fewer than 1% of customers bothered adding aerials for FM and/or DAB.
LINK to ASR measurements
My 23 year old Hifi amp recently gave up the ghost too, I also had a stab at repairing it, but it’s the electronics for the motorised main volume that have failed, so it’s not an easy repair.
I also wanted streaming capabilities and net radio as my old faithful Roku sound bridge also died.
I was looking at a wide range of amps, came close to buying a Rotel Pre and Power combo, but talked myself out of spending almost £2K.
In the end I got one of these in silver from Richer Sounds as a VIP, anyone can sign up to be one it was £399.00.
It’s something of a bargain, properly well made and sturdy, plenty of inputs including a Moving Magnet Phono stage.
https://www.richersounds.com/yamaha-rn602-sil.html
Seems they might not be in stock now at Richer Sounds but a quick search will find you one.
I also wanted streaming capabilities and net radio as my old faithful Roku sound bridge also died.
I was looking at a wide range of amps, came close to buying a Rotel Pre and Power combo, but talked myself out of spending almost £2K.
In the end I got one of these in silver from Richer Sounds as a VIP, anyone can sign up to be one it was £399.00.
It’s something of a bargain, properly well made and sturdy, plenty of inputs including a Moving Magnet Phono stage.
https://www.richersounds.com/yamaha-rn602-sil.html
Seems they might not be in stock now at Richer Sounds but a quick search will find you one.
stevoknevo said:
Have you swapped the speaker cables round on the back of the amp to ascertain that it's not one of the speakers that's gubbed?
Whatever amp you go for, I'd update the speaker cable for something a bit more chunky as the current one looks rather weedy - doesn't have to be expensive stuff, Amazon basics or Kabeldirekt in 2.5mm² oxygen free copper - www.amazon.co.uk/KabelDirekt-2x2-5mm%C2%B2-Speaker...
I was going to make the same comment about your speaker cables too, they are probably compromising sound quality quite badly.Whatever amp you go for, I'd update the speaker cable for something a bit more chunky as the current one looks rather weedy - doesn't have to be expensive stuff, Amazon basics or Kabeldirekt in 2.5mm² oxygen free copper - www.amazon.co.uk/KabelDirekt-2x2-5mm%C2%B2-Speaker...
As Steveo said you don’t need to go down the audiophile rabbit hole, I bought these for not much more than £24 off Amazon.
My old cables were ok I just wanted some nicely made heavy duty ones with gold plated banana plugs pre made as these are.
nigelpugh7 said:
My 23 year old Hifi amp recently gave up the ghost too, I also had a stab at repairing it, but it’s the electronics for the motorised main volume that have failed, so it’s not an easy repair.
I also wanted streaming capabilities and net radio as my old faithful Roku sound bridge also died.
I was looking at a wide range of amps, came close to buying a Rotel Pre and Power combo, but talked myself out of spending almost £2K.
In the end I got one of these in silver from Richer Sounds as a VIP, anyone can sign up to be one it was £399.00.
It’s something of a bargain, properly well made and sturdy, plenty of inputs including a Moving Magnet Phono stage.
https://www.richersounds.com/yamaha-rn602-sil.html
Seems they might not be in stock now at Richer Sounds but a quick search will find you one.
I almost forgot that it also supports Spotify natively too, so that’s also another check box ticked on your wish list.I also wanted streaming capabilities and net radio as my old faithful Roku sound bridge also died.
I was looking at a wide range of amps, came close to buying a Rotel Pre and Power combo, but talked myself out of spending almost £2K.
In the end I got one of these in silver from Richer Sounds as a VIP, anyone can sign up to be one it was £399.00.
It’s something of a bargain, properly well made and sturdy, plenty of inputs including a Moving Magnet Phono stage.
https://www.richersounds.com/yamaha-rn602-sil.html
Seems they might not be in stock now at Richer Sounds but a quick search will find you one.
https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual...
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