£700 amp advice wanted for friend

[dudywoxer]

Honestly the new stuff (from a dealer) is rubbish at that price. A better present would be to put together a more 'classic' setup that has been properly thought through. Another thing is that a bad setup can easily ruin the best system.

Also you'll want an external phonostage - The Project phonobox 2 would be my choice

That is a bit of a sweeping generalisation. It depends on the listener, but I can think of a fair number of ''classic'' set ups that would give way to budget new stuff in my system.

 

[Dan K]

I know of nothing at £800 that will better a Pioneer A400 from 1996 (with fresh caps)

For me I had to buy a Nait XS and a TeddyCap and that's over £1k 2nd hand

A few PFMers have replaced their 282/DTC with that Chevron Pre. If it were my money that's what I would go for and then start with a reasonable DIYed power Amp. The £500 HackerNap that recently sold would have been an awesome purchase. Dodgy leads could strip the life out of the whole thing though.

 

[MartMan]

That's good to hear, I stuck and A400 in the cupboard years ago and forgot about it! However, I'm just about to send it off for a turbo-charge.

 

[paulfromcamden]

Icon Audio's entry level integrated valve amp is £600 new. Would leave £100 for something like a Cambridge Audio phono stage.

It's a 15w amp though so it would also depend on speakers, room size etc.

 

[Elephantears]

So, who's the cyclist? This will help me advise.

My money's on Victoria Pendleton. If so, I'd go for a second hand Onix 21S.

 

[paul auster]

Given Glenda's location , my money is on Nicole Cooke .

Oh and NVA .

 

[Alex N]

Given Glenda's location , my money is on Nicole Cooke .

Yup.

Rega Brio-R, btw.

 

[glenda]

Yup.

Rega Brio-R, btw.

To conclude this , he has arranged 2 demos . At one dealer , Rega and ex demo Moon(?!) are being auditioned , at the other it's Naim and Creek. He said to thank everyone for their time and advice.
To end the speculation , the cyclist is Becky James.

Cheers

Tony

 

[topoxforddoc]

Well, his possible future son in law, George North, could certainly afford that given his move to Northampton.

Anyway, just one other option might be a Puresound A10. Not as much grunt as the A30, but sweet sounding nevertheless.

Charlie

 

[BlueYeti]

That's good to hear, I stuck and A400 in the cupboard years ago and forgot about it! However, I'm just about to send it off for a turbo-charge.

Please post with your findings / experience of the mods

 

[arthur]

Never believe any review you have to listen for yourself.

Indeed, I'm as sceptical as is necessary.

But Creek's reputation is unassailable and John Westlake, who had a hand in the design, is no newcomer.

Add all that to the real measurements from Paul Miller and the Creek seems like a pretty safe bet.

Unchecked cynicism is no good either.

 

[MartMan]

Will do, as soon as I get my bum in gear and sort a courier.

I've also kept a pair of Mission 760se. These had a revised crossover and could sound lovely with posh amps, will be interesting to hear any improvements.