My son had a birthday party this weekend and managed to blow my 13 year old Pioneer amplifier (SA-300). This was a wonderful amp with clean sound. I brought it over from the UK (had to connect it to a 240/110V converter). I've looked around but there only seem to be receivers onthe market. I just want a simple, powerful, excellent sounding amplifier. No need for all the bells and whistles. Will never connect a home theatre or TV to it. Any recommendations?
Price is a consideration. I cannot afford an audiofile vacuum valve device, for example.... I used the SA-300 with a Technics turntable, NAD CD player and AirTunes.
I currently have four Carver Amps powering my home theater speakers. I have never had a single issue with them.
As far as price goes, I'm not current with the pricing, but you will not find a better quality amp for the price.
I highly recommend you check them out.
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You may as well try the Sonic Impact amp first; it's cheap and may be all you need. Get the AC adapter with it. You can find it for less online if you look.
CREEK A50/A50iR or perhaps 4330SE (previous model, might be closeout deals on it) Link
Any used amp from any of those three vendors would be fine as well.
If you just want a general-purpose amp from no particular vendor, I would check classifieds, garage sales, etc. Pioneer, Yamaha, Denon, Technics, etc. The amps above (including the Sonic Impact) sound better though.
Thanks for the ideas guys. Bay Bloor Radio stocks the NAD series (the C320BEEE is $500). I think I'll check them out (already have an NAD CD player). I do like UK components, but their worldwide distribution leaves a lot to be desired.
Hi, have you looked into getting it repaired? Mount Pleasant Stereo repaired an old Pioneer tape player about 3 years ago for and they did a great job. Of course if you feel its time for a new receiver or amp you can have a look at Great Met Sound (http://www.toronto.com/profile/145549) I got my NAD amp there a few years back and its a great product and the staff was far nicer there than at Bay Bloor Radio.
Good luck on your search. You may have to go into mid to higher end gear to find
something with decent phono inputs. (or any phono inputs at all).
Do you know anyone with some electronic background that could take a quick look inside? Could be as simple as an internal fuse or output transistor.
I bought an NAD C352 ($100 off - $600). It's a nice amp and you can switch out the tonal circuits. It doesn't have any S/PDIF sockets through which would have been nice for connecting the Airport Express. Unfortunately, when I got it home and set it up I found the speakers had been blown too (!!!). So will have to save up for some decent new ones (any suggestions??).
The Pioneer A-300 was never sold here and was 13 years old. The speakers are JPWs (UK) and were also 13 years old (bi-wired). Both did excellent duty.
I've been to Mt Pleasant Stereo and they are very helpful (bought a mini system there a couple of years ago).
Last edited by used to be jwoodget; Mar 29th, 2005 at 04:49 PM.
If you like the British sound, I would recommend Rega or Quad boxes for taught sound or B&W and Kef for a rounder sound. If you want bass in a small enclosure, I would suggest TDLs. I found this link: it's from 2003 but lists good Canadian manufacturers.
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