$400 is a tight budget when buying new. I think you’ll be better served going pre-owned; your money will go a lot further. Cambridge Audio makes good quality products that sound great. You really can’t go wrong with any of their stuff; it all represents a fantastic value for the price point.
Your speakers are extremely efficient. 50 watts is more than enough power to drive them louder than you will most likely care to listen. What you will want to consider is, how do you like the sound of your current speakers? Most people consider horn loaded speakers a bit on the bright side. If you would like to have a smoother more laid back sound look at Rega. The current Brio-R, new, is out of your price range. However, you could pick up the older Brio 3. The Brio 3 also has a phono stage built.
Don’t get too worked up over bass management. Bass management is more of a home theater thing. Tone controls are often missing from higher end 2ch equipment, because most people set them flat (as they should). I haven’t had a preamp with tone controls in years. Also, don’t worry if there is no subwoofer output. You can simply connect the subwoofer via the high level inputs, sometimes referred to as speaker level inputs. You’ll then manage the bass with the subwoofers setting. These setting, found on the amplifier plate, will allow you to set the crossover, volume, phase, etc…etc. As you move up to the subwoofer food chain, the amount of setting options typically increases, adding options such as delay controls and extension filters.
Heya folks!
Putting together a new audio setup in my new home for the game room. I am looking for a really solid 2 channel integrated amp. I am a 2 channel kinda guy...not interested in multichannel surround sound. The system will be for retro games and music listening. Maybe some newer games in the mix later on.
Couple desires:
1. Multiple analog inputs. At least 2, but 3 or more preferable.
2. Plenty of power. At least 50wpc.
3. Remote control (this rules out most of the T-Amps).
4. Would like a subwoofer out and good bass management. This will probably be the hardest request to satisfy.
I realize I might be better off with an AVR, but I am not sure how well most of them do with just 2 channel material especially with regards to bass management. They just have a lot of features (and over complications) that I don't need or want.
Budget: $400ish? Not opposed to buying used.
I have had my eye on a Cambridge Audio Azur 651A, but that's out of my price range even used. The Azur 351A is in my price range, but doesn't have the bass management and sub out.
Would like something that doesn't have a harsh sounding top end as I will be using this with a pair of new Klipsch Reference RF-62 II towers.
Thanks!
On a side note, I’m planning on some major home theater changes. I haven’t really given the HT much love in a while. Seeing how the HT sees a lot of use for TV and movies, it’s well overdue. While I’m by no means getting rid of my Plasma TV I love, I do plan to setup a ceiling mounted project. I’m also going for a clean setup. Therefore, all the cables will be run in-wall with wall jacks to minimize the amount of visible cables. I will be moving all the equipment out of the room; I hate glowing lights, displays, and fan noise. Everything will be rack mounted in a closet. Of course the audiophile in me has kicked in; the plan is to go with electrostatic speakers. Usually, this is a bad idea for home theater due to the serious amplification requirements. But I’ve got a plan in the works for that; a big stack of amps….with balls.