The
Demon PMA-720 was originally £350. It has 50sw/ch and has a PHONO input for the turntable. Very low priced at about $170. Also, somewhat compact.
Denon PMA720AE Amplifier - Superfi
But, the
Yamaha AS301 has 60w/ch, and a internal DAC with Optical and Coaxial inputs.
Yamaha AS301 Amplifier with DAC - Superfi
The
Onkyo A9010 is a good amp, nice and clear, but a modest 44w/ch. Also with a PHONO input.
Onkyo A9010 Amplifier - Superfi
Onkyo can sometimes fudge the specs on their amps. The USA rating for that amps is -
44 W/Ch (8 Ohms, 1 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven, FTC)
That's fair, but weak. Meaning the other amps are rating their power 20hz to 20khz, which tends to lessen the rated power. Or more accurately, only testing at 1khz tends to slightly inflate the power.
If you want a nice clear crisp amp, then the Onkyo's are nice. The Yamaha are a bit warmer amps.
If your budget is that low, and If you absolutely don't need a DAC, then do consider the
Denon PMA-720 as an exceptional value.
However, there is only 1mm difference between the width of the Denon and the Yamaha. Though the Yamaha is 20mm deeper than the Denon.
The absolute best value in an amp is the
Yamaha AS501 with 85w/ch and a DAC, but just a bit more at £218 -
Yamaha AS501 Amplifier with DAC - Superfi
How far can you take your budget? The
Yamaha RN500 Network Reciever has 80w/ch, and has DAC with Digital Inputs, PHONO, etc... AND Network Streaming Capability, both from local storage and from the Internet. Price at
£310.
Yamaha RN500 Networked Receiver - Superfi
Additionally, and again, just over budget but the
65w/ch Onkyo A-9030 at £249 is at least worth a look.
Onkyo A9030 Amplifier - Superfi
If you are considering a
Cambridge amp, then make sure it has a PHONO input, many of the Cambridge do not have this feature.
The Pioneer A30 amp is nice, but its rated power is 70w/ch to 4 ohms, meaning it is likely 35w/ch (the standard rating) to 8 ohms. It is slightly under powered.
Actually, it took some searching, but the 8 ohm rated power on the Pioneer A30 is -
40 W + 40 W (20 Hz-20 kHz, THD 0.05 %, 8 ohms)
That's OK; it is what it is. But just so you know.
Steve/bluewizard