Choices for VERY cheap used integrated with phono & remo

Brad · « **on:** 5 Jun 2003, 02:17 pm »

So far, I've found 2

AMC3050a 50 wpc, mm/mc stage, remote
Cambridge Audio A500 65pwc, optional mm board, remote

Both are available for $250-300 used, almost new condition.

I'm just looking for something to tide me over for a while.
Any opinions on either of these two items or any alternatives in the same price range?

JohnR · « **Reply #1 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 02:28 pm »

How about an ART SLA-1?

J/K

Carlman · « **Reply #2 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 02:30 pm »

Believe it or not a Harman Kardon 6250 is fairly nice and cheap. I sold mine for about $200 and it has MM/MC selection as well as a low freq cut button. This is an older unit, made in Japan by the original HK. The remote only operated volume, not input selection IIRC.

Another choice could be an Arcam Delta 270. Very similar to the HK however, I think the HK is a better value.

Maybe a NAD C350 used? I can't remember if that has phono or not.

Many of this range of integrated amps had the phono as an option. So, be sure to ask for sure if it has one if they don't have a photo of the rear panel.

Good luck,
Carl

Brad · « **Reply #3 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 02:30 pm »

I didn't know the SLA had a phono stage or a remote control

D911 must be modding the heck out of them

j/k

I am serious about the integrated and will be buying one in the next couple of days - any advice regarding THAT issue is appreciated.

Brad · « **Reply #4 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 02:33 pm »

Carl - thanks for the reply - I'll check out the H/K

I saw some Arcam stuff last night, but it was all higher $$ gear.
The A65 Plus looks very nice.

Andrew JC · « **Reply #5 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 04:24 pm »

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3027449035&category=14973 Sorry no first hand experience with this one but there some info at audioreview.com It's cheap and has a remote.

Brad · « **Reply #6 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 04:41 pm »

Nice catch, Andrew.

$159 for a new one.
It's in the Pioneer elite series too.

Reviews seem pretty positive on audioreview, too.

That's the leader at this point.

Ferdi · « **Reply #7 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 04:47 pm »

Note: I know this does not have a remote.

I bought an old Sansui AU 317-II for €70 a few months ago. It does have phono and sounds much better than I expected.

You should be able to find similar deals where you are.

but: no remote.

Andrew JC · « **Reply #8 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 04:55 pm »

Brad, Let me know if you pull the trigger on that. For $160 it looks hard to beat.

Hantra · « **Reply #9 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 06:15 pm »

Quote

D911 must be modding the heck out of them

For a GRAND, he ought to give you a remote, phono stage, and a nice new chassis!

Seriously though, see if you can find Arcam's Alphas on ebay, or Audiogon. Those are the best intergrateds I have heard for the least amount of money. Very easy to live with, and a pleasing, detailed sound without any hint of harshness. Plenty of emotion from those things. .

Heck, I sold myself now! I should get one for the office!

B

Brad · « **Reply #10 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 06:21 pm »

Ferdi,

I got outbid at the last minute on a Sansui integrated (at about $65) last night on ebay. I'm kind of glad, because my lazy *ss needs a remote.

I have a Fisher 500c to rebuild that will improve the sound quality when I get done. I'm willing to compromise SQ a little for convenience at this point.

edit: Just remembered I have an old Denon AVR-1000 Prologic receiver at home. It used to sound pretty good. It has an input labeled 'phono', but I don't know if it actually has a phono stage. A google search came up dry on the 1000, but Denon's website has an 1100 that did have a phono stage. Nothing to do but try it. Cool - if this works, then I can spend the $150-300 on my audio jukebox idea.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #11 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 07:04 pm »

Since this is just temporary, would it work to just have remote volume on your CD player??? A few times I've hooked up the Ah! Njoe Tjoeb (which is just a Marantz at heart) directly to the amp and used the CD remote volume to control system volume. Wouldn't do you any good playing vinyl, but it might give you more options in looking for an integrated.

fredgarvin · « **Reply #12 on:** 5 Jun 2003, 09:07 pm »

Accessories4less has a Marantz integrated at 95wpc. I have seen it there at 200 bucks or so. The ones I have heard sound quite nice.

bubba966 · « **Reply #13 on:** 6 Jun 2003, 12:00 am »

Brad,

If the Denon has an input labeled phono, it should have a built-in phono stage. Most older receivers had phono stages, almost regardless of price range.

It might not be the greatest phono stage, and I'd bet it won't do MC. But if it's only a temporary problem, the Denon is probably fine for a temporary solution.