Integrated Amp

[BobM]

My daughter tried to hook up my vintage NAD 3155 integrated to some speakers, but she crossed the speaker wires. I replaced the blown fuse and now only the right channel is working. I don't think the cost of getting it fixed would be worthwhile.

Soooooo. What should I look for boys? I need it to be able to switch between indoor and outdoor speakers, so this limits things (unless I get some kind of external switch box). Cost is definitely an issue - I want to keep this fairly cheap. Tubes would be nice.

[sleepyguy24]

My favorite integrated that shouldn't break the bank is an Accuphase E202.



Even though it was screw on speaker terminals you can hook up to 3 different sets speakers to it. You just have to get crafty with getting theIt also has a phono preamp built in and a headphone jack that I've used with various headphones.

Sometimes you can find these Accuphase pieces in good condition on Audiogon or eBay for $350 to $500 sometimes. The restored pieces almost double in price.

If you need a speaker selector I'm very fond of and have had good experiences with Niles made switchers. Very well built but they have screw down terminals for the speaker wires that only accommodate max 14AWG wires.

[mfsoa]

Hi Bob.

I'd suggest looking at a couple year-old HT receiver - one that doesn't do the latest alphabet soup of surround modes.

They go for nothing because they are obsolete for HT.

For example my brother has a Marantz SR5001 tagged for $150. I'd imagine a local B+M would have similar used stuff.

They are everywhere and have digital inputs / onboard dacs etc.

That Accuphase is too nice to not find a use for in your own home! 

-Mike 

[BobM]

Just picked up this little beauty. It should arrive by Friday.

Onix SP3 Mk II•Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20KHz
•Class AB
•Power Rating: 38W x 2
•Manually adjustable bias: 1.15V
•Input Impedance: 250K Ohms
•Output Impedance: 4 or 8 Ohms
•Input Sensitivity: 380 mV
•S/N Ratio: >90dB / T.H.D - 1% (standard tube spec)
•Dimensions (WxHxD): 11.9" x 8.1" x 13.25"
•Weight: 56 lbs.
•Tube Complement:
4 X 5881
2 X 12AX7
2 X 6922
2 X 12AU7

[Hugh]

Good choice Bob.

[sleepyguy24]

Good choice Bob.

Wow. I agree there too that it is a nice choice. I would go nuts with the amount of tubes you can roll that Onix SP3 MkII. The combinations are maddening. From all the different 6L6GCs out there then all the 12A*7 types and 6922/6DJ8. Oh man.

[hogg]

Looks like you'll have to buy another cheaper amp for her.  No way are you letting that out of your sweaty hands

If she doesn't need much power, you can try a Fleawatt amp.  They use a TI chip, TPA3116.  These usually go for less than $250 on audiogon.

http://fleawatt.blogspot.com/

Jim

[BobM]

She's already got a vintage Marantz 2216B and a Pioneer turntable to keep her busy.

The Onix just arrived this morning. He didn't have the original packing, but wrapped in in 3 layers of bubble wrap and packing peanuts. I love it when the seller makes sure things are safe and done well, that gives me uber confidence that this will work flawlessly once powered up.

[Werd]

If you can find a working Luxman suckface, those are tubes in the pre and SS out. Under $500 and pretty good.

[BobM]

Well, it didn't work flawlessly. One of the power tubes wouldn't bias properly. They should bias at 1.15, but this one was running away at about 12.

Turned it off, flipped it over and there was a shot bias resistor on that socket. The others measured 33 ohms, so off to Rat Shack and I found 10 ohm 1 watt resistors that I strung together in series to make 30 ohms (close enough for now). $3 fix.

Soldered them in and all is good again in Bob-land.

[Hugh]

Bob,

Nice.

[bhobba]

Tubes would be nice.

I don't know if it fits your budget or not, but everyone out our way is VERY impressed with the new Prima Luna Dialogue.
http://www.primaluna-usa.com/product-main/dialogue/dialogue-one

I am trying to sell my Arion S250 that I got to check out even though I had a fully Cast upgraded 500 (I do nutty things like that).

I made the mistake of doing a demo with a guy that was interested in buying it on a system that used the Prima.  He fell in love with the Prima and while he took it home to check out on his system you could see he was smitten.  He thought the Arion had the edge on his Xindac - but really want to save up for the Prima.

Even guys that don't like valve stuff like the Prima.  I have now lent my S250 to a died in the wool SS guy who usually poo poo's valve stuff - but confesses he likes the Prima - but he believes valves always colour music.  Me and others have sat down with him listening to valve gear - but he wont be dissuaded  He likes a sound that is pure, clean and pristine - to those that have heard it he loves the Phasure - which has that type of sound in spades.

[BobM]

I replaced the stock tubes with the "upgraded" set that came with my Onix and the top end opened up and the bass tightened up with more punch. I think this was a great $500 purchase.

I had the guys over and they concluded I wasn;t doing it justice just using my Samsung Galaxy S3 phone as a source with a mini jack from the earphone output. So I bought this little DAC that works with the Android operating system. It uses the Sabre chip, so it can;t be all that shabby. It's super cheap and has good reviews, so we will see how much better it gets.

http://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs?product_id=124

[Hugh]

Bob,

You got a decent amp so, IF I were you, I'd get a better Dac.

[BobM]

This is a cheap experiment to see if I want to go better. Not a main system here, just used to play outdoor speakers and casual music on the main floor.

e.g. - there's noone sitting in a sweet spot.