What amp for ~£200?

[saitrix]

Hi,

I have had a Cambridge Audio 540a for the past 8 years, originally bought it 2nd hand back then. Unfortunately it has now developed a problem where there is constant white noise and I have already changed the power source and removed all inputs with no luck. It happens on both my headphones and speakers too so I know it is my amp.

So really what I am after is a replacement amp, I don't mind buying 2nd hand again. The current amp never quite had enough power to drive my speakers. The speakers I have are Epos els303 floor standing speakers. Their spec is 150w at 4ohm. My old amp was rated at 75w at 4ohm for comparison.

So yeah in short I have been out of audio for ages so not too sure where to start. All I need is a stereo amp with headphone port and ir remote control. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[lucid]

Cambridge Audio gear really punches above its weight in terms of value and performance. If you've been happy with the sound then I'd consider the brand again. Have a look for the CA 640a. It's the evolution of your 540, so there's a remote and a headphone socket.

You could also have a look at Marantz and/or NAD as amp brands with remote control and headphone sockets. The Marantz PM6004 might just squeeze in to your £200 budget. It won't have the muscle of the CA amps though. NAD is a better choice for power.

 

[saitrix]

Ahh thanks for that, will have a look at what's available. I guess I forget the audio sector doesn't move as quickly as PCs. Think I will look at both NAD and CA, and you're right about the 640a, especially if I can get the v2 it is certainly a lot more powerful than my current!