[George W]

Hello!

I need some help coming up with a suitable integrated amplifier for my system.  My speakers are North Creek Rhythms with a sensitivity of 90.5 dB.  My average listening level is around 75 dB but I have been known to turn it up for movies.  I listen to rock, female vocals, classical...well just about everything.  My price range is a measily $300-$400, but I am willing to buy used.  Here's what I'm looking for:

Natural sound that conveys emotion well
Smooth but dynamic (is that possible?)
Works well with 4 ohm loads (down to 3.4 I believe)
decent imaging
at least 4 inputs - no phono necessary
a knob volume control

And some more things that I would prefer, but are not mandatory:

Remote control
Headphone output
HT bypass

I would prefer not to have to deal with the heat and maintenance of tubes, but I might consider it if the gains were significant.
I would appreciate any suggestions you might have.  I took a look around audiogon and noticed a Nad 317 in my price range, but I have very little familiarity with integrateds in general.

Thanks!

George

[mcgsxr]

Other than my Sugden, integrateds that might do the trick for you, in the price range that you mention, should include:

Rega - perhaps the older versions, but any should handle the load you mention
Rotel - a recent one (R02?) was well reviewed in HIFI+

Good luck in the hunt,

Mark in Canada

[mca]

The Onix integrateds from av123 look to be a pretty good deal. They just came out with the new mark II version, but they have a great deal in the B-stock section on the A-60. May be worth a look.

[Inscrutable]

Many of the British firms have reps for 'musical' and affordable electronics.  I'd second the Rega reputation in that regard.  Also, NAD is a good choice, especially if you can snag a 320BEE like the one just under the 317 you were looking at on Agon.  My guess is that you'll find a C350 or C370 in your range if you are patient.  Your range is probably just a smidge below what it'll take to land an Audio Refinement or Audio Analogue.  There's a Naim Nait a bit out of your range, but you also have to get a power supply which adds cost.

[mcrespo71]

I own a Rega Brio 2000 and it should capably be able to meet your needs.  I'm rather fond of it.

Michael

[George W]

Thanks for the suggestions; I'll look into the units you posted.  If you guys have any more ideas, please keep them coming!  Also, I've heard that Nad gear can sound a little soft, do you think they'd still do ok with 2 channel HT?  All I have heard in my system at this point are an Onkyo Tx-ds 696 receiver and a Kenwood KA-5500 integrated.  The Onkyo seems pretty dynamic but not very musical.  The Kenwood is a little more musical then the Onkyo but it's not as big of an improvement as I would like.  I'm looking to better both of these units in sound quality with this purchase, and hoping to keep the sound at least as dynamic as the Onkyo.  
Regards,

George

[mcgsxr]

I sent you a PM about my Sugden.

Mark

[WEEZ]

George,

If you can live without the ht pass-thru or a tape loop, you might consider the Jolida 301 or 501 ($350 & $500 respectively). Call Bill @ Response Audio- or e-mail him- he has a circle here at Audiocircle.

Otherwise, I second the suggestion re: the NAD 320BEE. An excellent value and has 5 inputs plus 2 tape loops. Very musical.

For used- search for Arcam, Rega, etc.

Good luck,

WEEZ

[doug s.]

i have a killer (imo!   ) integrated f/a right now; i am sending you a pm.

doug s.

[George W]

Thanks for all of the replies.  I have been researching the NAD 320BEE and it looks promising.  I have a dealer nearby, so I'm going to see if I can get a feel for how it sounds.  Regards,


George