New Amp or 2nd hand? £300 budget

[Magistrate]

Hi, I have a budget of around £300 and wondered whether I should get a new amp (been looking at a Cambridge Audio in Richer Sounds) or get a 2nd hand one from yesteryear?

Do Amps deteriorate with age? I'm guessing an Amp that was a few grand 10 years ago should be under £300 now?

Any thoughts?

[Magistrate]

Yeah just normal stereo. Only want it to play music from my cd player (separates)

[Magistrate]

I'm thinking of upgrading my speakers also, so any recommendations on these also. I think I am prepared to take the risk of component failure on a second and one, so anyone any recommendations for GOOD 10 year old amps which were a fortune new, and are a good sound? I like a good low volume bass

[Magistrate]

Erm, you've got me? I guess powered? I will also be using a dock for the ipod and a DAC to input to the amp

[Magistrate]

Seeker UK said:

Message to OP - what DAC are you using?

Its an Arcam DAC, again bought from Richer Sounds but a few years ago now!

[Magistrate]

Thanks Seeker, this was the sort of thing I was after!

Going to see a NAD amp tonight that was in local paper.

[Magistrate]

Didn't buy the NAD after the visit.

The seller was a decent chap and after listening to me explain how I like to hear music he suggested a Valve Amp. Anyone any comments on these? I hear they're expensive!!!

[Magistrate]

lol. Yes I agree. Drawing board!

I currently have some Keff Q55 speakers. Although I might soon change them for a shelf speaker.

I like a warm bassy sound. I listen to a lot of soft rock (Fleetwood Mac, etc), and like to here a kick for the bass.

I have listened to a Cyrus Amp in a local store which although was very clear, it lacked something for me. I think it was the bass. Unbelievably, a Marantz Amp for half the price was better suited to my listening.

I like the idea of a valve amp as I like the idea that it's a piece of furniture to look at rather than just a black box and the guy said it would suit my need for a warm sound.

The source will either be a Technics CD player, or from my Iphone with a Arcam DAC, Onkya Dock.

[Magistrate]

Cheers for that, some good info!

I have had a conversation with the guy from affordable valve company, and to say he can talk is an understatement!

60 minutes later I have bought a £688 version A3 model. Although 'bought' is a bit of a loose comment. Apparently, my word is my order, he wanted no money upfront, and it won't be ready for 2 months! I pay when it's ready to ship. Amazing guy, and if his promises are true it should be an outstanding product, and whilst extremely difficult to understand, he seems to know his onions. But I have got 2 months to wait, and try out some others. From what he was saying, he's got a big backlog, so I guess if I don't take it, he will be able to sell it on no problem.

I still want to demo a valve amp, but there's no local specialists with any in!

[Magistrate]

Near York

[Magistrate]

Thanks but I don't want another AV amp, just stereo for me this time.

[Magistrate]

WhoseGeneration said:

Valve amps are a different world to solid state.
Most of them require "maintenance", which is fine if you're into such.
If you want to obsess about origin, current manufacture versus NOS, checking bias, it's all fun.
Then, type, SET? probably for the purist with very efficient speakers, perhaps horns.
£300, I'd suggest as someone else has, some of the older SS.
Although, playing with the glowing tubes might be fun.
Your choice.

Yeah, I hear what you say, but I think I just fancy a change from the norm. I quite like the idea of a bit of maintenance and the looks of the thing.

I'm going to give the affordable valve company a chance I think. Anyone ever used them?