[sch]

If I were you I'd sell both the 250s and the Marantz and buy the SP3 & REF1s Combo ( Tube integrated and Monitors) from AV123.
The combo for US$1.200 is a steal:
http://www.av123.com/products_category_pack.php?section=processors&brand=33
This tube integrated was voted "Best Tube Integrated" in the budget category.:
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_3/onix-xcd-88-cd-player-sp3-amplifier-reference-1-speakers-9-2005.html

You can also check Six Moons review of the amp.
I know I'm sounding like an ad here, but honestly I can't think of a better deal.
Good luck!!!
Santiago

[chip]

Well I think my price range has dropped down to $350 for now.......

This would leave me with the following options:
Cambridge Audio 540
Jolida 1301 w/ subout
nad C320BEE - used
Onix 60 used if I can find one

 Any opinions since my price range has dropped....

[JLM]

What about one of the digital receivers from Panasonic (digital input from the SB) or JVC?

[Inscrutable]

With the price drop, I'd definitely look at a used amp, and let the SB function as the pre.  You're going to have trouble getting a decent tube amp for that $ (although i see a pair of ASL AV20's on the Gon for $400). You might have a little more luck sith SS, but not a lot.  I did see an older Audio Research D100 for $350 which might be interesting.  You might be best off just waiting and save a little more $ ... lots of other choices pop up if you can get up to $600 or so.

[Inscrutable]

An older higher end receiver might also work for you.  This Sherwood is almost down to your range.  I had the 925, and it was definitely much better sounding than some equivalent yamaha Denon, and Sony ones I heard/owned.  It also has a respectable phono stage and headphone output.

[nickspicks]

I will always and forever fluff the Manley Stingray.  around $1200 used.  its kick ass.  very musical, monsterous bass for a tube amp, and its sleek sexy looks are just as pleasing on the eye as its output is on your ears.

[Dmason]

For a cap of say $600, I don't think anything could tough the Cayin TA-30 for tubes, and the Red Wine Audio Clari-T for SS. BOth these are terrific sounding amps, and give more than a peak through the high end keyhole.

As a huge plus, the TA30 can be run single-ended, by pulling tubes 2+4. Add good EL-34's and relax. With widely adjustable bias, you can also run 6L6 (Mmmmmm) KT66, KT88. For the dough, the opportunity of a hand made SE 6L6 amp? Beat that.

Not much to add on the ClariT. Stunningly great sound, fast as hell, bass from the cellar, and used with appropriate speakers with benign impedance, becomes pretty much world class. A KILLER amp.

 my personal choices in that price range. Either one will ensure sonic contentment. Add streamed audio source and non oversampled DAC and you are done.

[Jampot]

Rocket rs 250s are 89db / watt accordingto the web site. A second hand RWA Clari-T went for $300 on eBay last week but You may find it short of puff if you like to listen loud. Possibly not available new, but there has been tremendous feed back on the Teac AL700 (30 watts per channel Tripath) in the past (do a search if you missed it). The last one here on AC went for $60 + shipping. It would probably be a massive improvement on the old Kenwood while you accumulate more funds.

Who knows, you may even decide to mod it and keep it!

Jim

[Wind Chaser]

Chip...

If you don't need a lot of power, the answer is easy and obvious.  

http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/t-amp_e.html

http://www.sixmoons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact/t.html

Have you ever heard of the highly esteemed YBA integre aka: Audio Refinement Complete? I recently had one in my home and I can tell you a "stock" Sonic Impact CATEGORICALLY TROUNCED this dog into the dirt.  Until you hear with your own ears, this may seem too hard to believe.  The price of admission is so low there's no excuse to not try it.  Now if you really want to splurge spend the extra $100...

http://www.michael.mardis.com/sonic/super.htm

This is still well below your alloted budget leaving you some extra money to play with elsewhere spending your budget.


John
__________________
Been there done that

[chip]

I had the super T amp before but sold it off as I wasn't using it.

How about this: http://www.dakmart.com/website/ItemDetail.asp?ItemId=42170&cID=111

Anyone know anything about it.

The teac amp  - how would that be hooked up to the squeezebox????

[maxwalrath]

I would vote for the sonic impact. If you want something bigger, more powerful, easier to use, etc I thought the Jolida was a great deal. Same with RWA Clari-T, but you have to get the upgrades to get the most out of it.

[Wind Chaser]

I had the super T amp before but sold it off as I wasn't using it.

That really boggles my mind.  I mean I don't get it.  You were not using the Super T because... you wanted more power?  ...it was broken? ...it was too clean, detailed and revealing?

[chip]

I had the super T amp before but sold it off as I wasn't using it.

That really boggles my mind.  I mean I don't get it.  You were not using the Super T because... you wanted more power?  ...it was broken? ...it was too clean, detailed and revealing?

I didn't have a setup upstairs at the time so I hooked it up to my HT stuff in the basement..........wasn't using it really so I sold it off.

[Jampot]

The teac amp - how would that be hooked up to the squeezebox????

The Teac has phono inputs but no volume (except a nasty thing on the rear - which is bypassed if modded) so use the analogue out and built in volume control on the squeezebox.

It also has a (redundant) centre channel which you won't use. Bolder Cable and Red Wine Audio both list mods - Wayne stays with mains power and cleans it up and Vinnie converts the whole thing to battery - on their web sites.

There is a lot of info available if you are up for diy. I have one (3 actually - but 2 are in HT systems) and may yet send it for mods.

Jim