Considering a stereo amp and speakers.. max £200 all in

Scougar · 4 May 2012 at 00:00

So thinking about getting a stereo amplifier and some decent speakers for my small room for music/films and occasionally gaming when i don't have my headphones on for that.

I was looking originally at a complete unit such as the Denom M38DAB but, then I got drawn to the dedicated amps like the Denon PMA510AE or similar, but then I'd have to get some speakers as well.

Help me out here chaps.. what would you recommend?

(My source would be my htpc, and I would likely store music in FLAC format, and I'm more than prepared to go 2nd hand)

a1ex2001 · 4 May 2012 at 08:06

I'd go second had and get something like an Arcam Alpha 7 and a pair of Wharfdale Diamond 9's

Yaayuh! · 4 May 2012 at 09:09

Search for NAD and Marantz on the popular Bay of auctions and pair with either the Wharfedale Diamod 9.1 or Monitor Audio Bronze BR1

iamtheoneneo · 4 May 2012 at 10:26

agree on 9.1s and try and source a marantz pm5004. all new it can be hard for £240 wouldnt be hard to get it under £200 second hand. Dont forget you would need a DAC to get the most out of it, but you can get a cheap Lindy for about £40.

Nick1881 · 4 May 2012 at 11:44

a1ex2001 said:
I'd go second had and get something like an Arcam Alpha 7 and a pair of Wharfdale Diamond 9's

This, also the Alpha 8 and B&W 601 speakers.

Behringer do a cheap DAC too, I will be selling one soon, let me know if you would be interested.

Scougar · 4 May 2012 at 13:42

Is a DAC really necessary if I'm outputting from either my Xtreme Music or my Xonar D1 ?

Nick1881 said:
This, also the Alpha 8 and B&W 601 speakers.

Behringer do a cheap DAC too, I will be selling one soon, let me know if you would be interested.

Best email me about that with details :-)

(I don't want this to turn into a 'wanted' thread though, I'm just after advice on units within my budget

)

Yaayuh! · 4 May 2012 at 14:27

Scougar said:
Is a DAC really necessary if I'm outputting from either my Xtreme Music or my Xonar D1 ?

Not really at this price range. You'd be better off spending the £200 on the speakers and receiver alone.

a1ex2001 · 4 May 2012 at 16:28

Rossi~ said:
Not really at this price range. You'd be better off spending the £200 on the speakers and receiver alone.

I'd second that, a decent aound card will do a perfectly decent job and a DAC can always be added later if you feel you need it.

Personally I'd steer clear of Marantz amps because I'm not a big fan of the sound, I love the bright detail their CD players produce but when the Marantz sound is transfered to a stereo amp I find it too harsh. Obviously your opinion may differ!

Scougar · 4 May 2012 at 18:48

a1ex2001 said:
I'd second that, a decent aound card will do a perfectly decent job and a DAC can always be added later if you feel you need it.

Personally I'd steer clear of Marantz amps because I'm not a big fan of the sound, I love the bright detail their CD players produce but when the Marantz sound is transfered to a stereo amp I find it too harsh. Obviously your opinion may differ!

I honestly have no experience of decent audio equipment other than a friend that always had lovely Technics stuff that always sound awesome (Many years ago). I am really clueless as to what is good within the price ranges other than seeing what's on offer, and checking out if it's worthwhile.