[Homerjh]

Hi all, long time lurker...

anyhow, decided it is now time to buy a decent amp as my current setup is a hodge podge and am sure the speakers could sound a lot better with the sources i am using.

I have a kenwood RD-M23 micro unit, with Gale Gold Monitor speakers, and a Freecom Musicpal via the aux in on the radio to listen to internet radio, and also an old (but still working) Matsui DA-1 DAB which i occasionally use.

The speakers work really well and plenty of enough volume as the room is small, and as it is for a bedroom/home office these are about as big as i need, so they are staying and i have no plans to change them (6Ohm, Gale GOLD MONITOR MK2 Beech | Speakers Per Pair | Richer Sounds)

The kenwood has an optical out as well which i can use as a CD player if needed.

So what i am intending to do with the system is possibly to go Vinyl at some point, so this will need to be factored in as the amp will be a keeper for a long time.

So, I need an amp with enough headroom in the power if i change the speakers at any point (ie if they break!), a minimum of 2 analogue inputs (1 for the internet radio, 1 for the DAB/or a CD player in the future) a suitable input for a Turn Table, and if possible an optical Digital 'in' so i can listen to the CD's currently via the kenwood.

Oh, and a sub-out (may be stretching it here!) as i have a HC sub sitting here doing nothing (Jamo SW410E)

i know the optical in may not be possible, and also i can be listening to it for up to 9 hours a day (work from home) some days so want something that will cope well with a wide range of musical types, from the beatles to Pink floyd, then some 90's Rap, 80's, bit of classic rock and then some tunes like Duffy/etc.

so not fussy

thanks in advance.

[amcluesent]

go Vinyl at some point, so this will need to be factored in as the amp will be a keeper for a long time

You should get a Mission Cyrus 2 off t'Bay for £200.

[BlueWizard]

The new amps I would recommend under £200 would be -

Denon PMA-520 = £179, 45w/ch

Denon PMA 520 - Google Search

If you can find the older PMA-510, you should be able to get it at a bargain price.

Denon PMA 510 - Google Search

PeterTyson has the next model up, the Denon PMA-710 (50w/ch) for £199 -

http://www.petertyson.co.uk/ebuttonz...n_pma710.shtml

Yamaha S-S300, £199, 60w/ch -

Yamaha AS300 A-S300 - Google Search

For just a little more, you can get the 85w/ch Yamaha AS500 -

Yamaha AS500 A-S500 - Google Search

From the right source, the Pioneer A307 with 45w/ch can be had for under £200 -

Pioneer A307 - Google Search

The well regarded Marantz PM6003 is on close out now that the newer PM6004 has been released -

Superfi - MARANTZ PM6003 AMPLIFIER (OPENED BOX, EX-DEMO, BLACK)

Superfi - MARANTZ PM6003 BK AMP

Superfi - MARANTZ PM6003 SL AMP

The best bargain on a powerful RECEIVER, would be the Harman Kardon HK3490 (120w/ch) which does have a Optical Input -

Superfi - HARMAN KARDON HK3490 RECEIVER (OPENED BOX, EX-DEMO)

The above in an Open Box amp, so the supply is limited. The HK3490 typically sells for about £299.

Here is the a similar amp at the normal selling price -

Superfi - HARMAN KARDON HK3390 RECEIVER

And here is a Google-UK search for that amp -

HARMAN KARDON HK3390 - Google Search

Because this is a Receiver, it is physically larger, and the HK3390 does not have digital inputs. That is found only on the more expensive HK3490 model.

SuperFi also has an Open Box HK980 (integrated amp only, 80w/ch, normally £298) fr near £200 -

http://superfi.co.uk/p-10600-harman-...x-ex-demo.aspx

That is the best that I'm aware of at or near £200.

Steve/bluewizard

[topoxforddoc]

Buy a Pioneer A-400. Top vintage jap amp with a half decent phono stage. Sounds great and picked up heaps of awards (and rightly so). Available for less than £100.

Charlie