Amp/Preamp Asylum

RE: What the world needs is a good $500 amp.

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In Reply to: RE: What the world needs is a good $500 amp. posted by commentary on May 16, 2012 at 22:03:58

The world already has an excellent integrated amp very near that price point: The NAD 326BEE, at $550.00.
It has a separable pre/ and amp with external jumpers.

Edits: 05/17/12

Follow Ups:

I now read about your experience and will keep the NAD in mind. - commentary 06:13:36 05/17/12 (7)
But how much could it be if it threw out the preamp portion, I wonder? Maybe the power supply can be simplified, too, but then is the box and power transformer a big part of the budget in construction that must be there and cannot save much? I'm just wondering.

There are so many digital only systems now with digital processors like the DacMagic or a computer plus smaller DAC that forms a preamp in itself. Now I wonder if market conditions for the power amp only product will increase in demand. Those integrated amps seem set up to go obsolete for those going to hi rez digital only and not keeping records and CD's around. I made that switch by the reality of living in too small a space for a big system. Still sounds like high end audio to me, though. But I do a lot of mods from old expensive parts I have left over from the days of more affluence. Not a bad idea if working on only inexpensive separates if you know how.

I see a lot of entertainment establishments (like bars) now with computer background music systems, mostly mp3 though or iTunes. It's a huge space and labor saver.
- RE.. Have you thought about powered speakers? - rick_m 08:45:35 05/17/12 (6)
  Take it to the limit: No tangible power amp at all!
  
  From an engineering standpoint the power-amp and speaker are really a logical subsystem anyway so it's a good opportunity to optimize cost and performance.
  
  Regards, Rick
  - RE: RE.. Have you thought about powered speakers? - pictureguy 11:03:32 05/23/12 (5)
    The new powered Paradigm speakers are nice. And they have 2x50 PER speaker. Those, and the DACMagic+ might be the basis of a terrific dorm system or an all digitial system for the home.
    
    I have 3 of 4 inputs 'occupied' on mine:
    
    Too much is never enough
    - Thanks. - rick_m 16:02:16 05/23/12 (4)
      I've become interested in near-field listening through the back door. My study amplifier died a couple of years ago so I dug out some horrible sounding powered speakers that came with a computer to use while the part was on order. Oddly enough I guess they "broke in" or I "broke down" and I still haven't fixed the amplifier despite having the new part. Although they don't sound as good as my Celestion 3's, I'm enjoying them and at this point I am not at all sure I want to go back. Maybe better near-field speakers would be a good bet.
      
      I was pleased with the posts on them yesterday, apparently I'm not the only one this is happening to!
      
      Rick
      - RE: Thanks. - rick_m 16:20:09 05/23/12 (3)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Thanks. posted by rick_m on May 23, 2012 at 16:02:16
        
        Umm, I can't seem to find them on their website.
        
        What's the model #?
        
        Thanks, Rick
        
        RE: Thanks. - Doublej 19:20:49 05/23/12 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Thanks. posted by rick_m on May 23, 2012 at 16:20:09
        
        This
        
        http://www.paradigm.com/shift/products/powered-speakers/index.shtml
        
        RE: Thanks. - pictureguy 17:17:47 05/23/12 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Thanks. posted by rick_m on May 23, 2012 at 16:20:09
        
        If you mean the powered Atoms....see provided link:
        
        At 500$ / pair, add in a DACMagic+ with a good source(s) and there 'ya go. Insta-system.
        
        You could bring the whole thing in for 1500$ and be 'forward' looking, to boot.
        Too much is never enough
        http://www.stereophile.com/content/paradigm-shift-active-ato (Open in New Window)
        
        RE: Thanks. - rick_m 20:13:45 05/23/12 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Thanks. posted by pictureguy on May 23, 2012 at 17:17:47
        
        Ok...
        
        They are in the running for worst website in the universe, thanks to both of you guys for the links.
        
        Rick

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