£130 Amp with MM stage

[Elephantears]

I'm being a missionary and trying to sort out a neighbour's system. I noticed they have lots of good records (former DJ) but a sonically challenged set up.

We have worked out that the main culprit is the PA amp they were using with some little Sony speakers that look like they are from a mini system. I replaced it with a Croft 25/7 and even with the dodgy Sony speakers it sounded ok (at modest volume), so we are starting with an amp change.

What is the best use of £130? If it were a budget of £180-200 I'd try and find them an Onix 21, but that is too big a stretch.

For me, a Creek 4140s2 would be the main candidate for an 80s British amp, but what about Japanese? Are there any good old Marantz, Denon, etc, worth looking at?

A good MM stage is crucial.

 

[Guest432]

Arcam A60 is a great little amp with a very good onboard MM stage.

 

[Markyb]

Something from NAD maybe?

 

[comiston]

I think the old nytech CA252 goes for around this price on ebay if you can find a good example . Has a very naim-like sound and a good mm stage built in . Think it is also an ancestor of the onix that you like .

 

[Mike42]

I am sure this would be just fine:

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/pioneer_a-10.shtml

 

[LostAtSea]

An Aura VA 80 SE x would be worth considering, also the VA 100 II. Both have very good phono stages, and were designed and made under the auspices of B&W I believe.
Steve

 

[Elephantears]

DIN Plugs rule out the Nytech, unfortunately, as I'd fancy hearing one.

I don't think NAD budget integrateds tend to have phono stages, but I may be wrong.

An Arcam would probably do the trick.

 

[Elephantears]

I am sure this would be just fine:

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz/ebz_product_pages/pioneer_a-10.shtml

Have you heard any budget Japanese amps of late? Are they ok? Is the phono stage likely to be any good or more of an afterthought?

 

[Guest432]

DIN Plugs rule out the Nytech, unfortunately, as I'd fancy hearing one.

I don't think NAD budget integrateds tend to have phono stages, but I may be wrong.

An Arcam would probably do the trick.

The Arcam is also DIN plugs but I bought some DIN > RCA converters on ebay for about £3 each to connect my Sonos and CD player.

The MM phono stage is RCA inputs so is fine.

 

[Howdy]

For me, a Creek 4140s2 would be the main candidate for an 80s British amp, but what about Japanese? Are there any good old Marantz, Denon, etc, worth looking at?

A good MM stage is crucial.

I believe MM stage would be weak spot of Marantz or Denon. How about clamshell Rega? I'd take Rega over NAD any day, especially for vinyl.

 

[cj66]

There's a Claymore on "that auction site" that needs attention so should go cheap. Excellent phono stage on that.

Then there's also the old QED amps and a second vote for the Aura VA80.

 

[Elephantears]

Which Rega were you thinking Howdy?

Of new or recent amps, something like the Maantz PM6004 would do - I've heard this and it is decent; just not sure about the phono stage. The newer ones have built in DACs too.

 

[Elephantears]

There's a Claymore on "that auction site" that needs attention so should go cheap. Excellent phono stage on that.

Then there's also the old QED amps and a second vote for the Aura VA80.

ooh, yes, that looks great. Thanks for the link.

 

[Bigbobby666]

If volume isn't an issue look to get an Amptastic Mini 1. I had one set up with some little Mission 750 LE's and the sound out of it was comparable to actives, very very clear! Then look at getting a TC-750 Phono Preamp, or a cheapish project.

 

[Markyb]

DIN Plugs rule out the Nytech, unfortunately, as I'd fancy hearing one.

I don't think NAD budget integrateds tend to have phono stages, but I may be wrong.

An Arcam would probably do the trick.

My old NAD 3020 had a pretty decent MM phono stage on it

 

[KeithL]

+1 for Creek.
Creek 4040 s3 has all phono connections.
There's plenty of drive into my Tannoy Cheviots.

 

[misterc6]

As the phono stage is important why not go for a separate one? Even the Pro-ject phono Box E at £39 new inc. delivery will do a better job than the stage in many integrated amplifiers.

Now add a second hand Cambridge Audio A1, there are dozens on eBay and a tidy V2 will set you back £55 delivered.

That makes £94 total at which point it's worth considering a pair of Denon bookshelf speakers like the SC-M50, SC-M51 or SC-M53 made by Mission. There's a pair of '51s for £48 delivered which would kill two birds with one stone and only take you less than 10% over budget.

(I only looked at Buy-it-Now deals)

What sources does the system currently have?

 

[misterc6]

.. or there's a seller refurbished Creek 4040 Mk1 for £115 or near offer plus £13.50 shipping:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Creek-Audio-Systems-CAS4040-Mk-I-Integrated-Amplifier-VGC-/221758582207?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item33a1d76dbf

DIN to RCA adaptors are not expensive as previously mentioned.

 

[Mike42]

Have you heard any budget Japanese amps of late? Are they ok? Is the phono stage likely to be any good or more of an afterthought?

Nope. Regardless, I cannot believe the likes of Pioneer would market a sub-standard product.

This generic internet chap rates the A20, which is £30 more http://www.soundandvision.com/content/test-report-pioneer-20-integrated-amplifier. Specs seem similar (it gains a remote).

 

[Denim Demon]

Sony TA-F940R