View Full Version : Budget amp advice.
I've just sold a nice amp and am on the look out for something good n cheap. :)
I've come across a couple of QED A240CD integrated amps, 1 is a MKII which is for sale privately for £60.00
The other is a Mk1 at Northill Audio for £75.00 and has had the phono stage 'breathed on' by the boys there.
Does anyone know anything about these amps, I'm tempted to try one because they're a bit different.
Or should I stick with something more main stream?
Beobloke
26-01-2015, 22:19
I'd go for the Mk1 personally. Great amplifier and not much wrong with the phono stage as-is.
The Barbarian
26-01-2015, 22:38
That old 1980's QED system was a good little system
That old 1980's QED system was a good little system
Okay, here's the amps I'm considering. Your thoughts please guys??
Luxman L-3 (Nice looking thing, on ebay but no bids yet).
QED A240 CD (as mentioned above £75.00).
Pioneer A400 (offered on the Wam for £70.00).
Arcam Alpha 5 (offered on the Wam for £75.00 delivered).
Nad 3020A (on ebay £75.00).
Harman Kardon HK 6250 (Fully serviced, on ebay, no bids yet).
My other kit consists of: Boston Acoustic A26 speakers, Sansui CDD 201V & an old AR turntable.
I mainly listen to Rock, Blues and Pop and don't like…'too bright'
ok sorry if this double posts .....
I'd go with the nad ...you get chance to run in either filter or lab mode and the unit can be used as a decent pre amp and passable power amp
Michael loves music
27-01-2015, 11:26
I've had the nad 3020e amp over 25 years still going strong never had a problem with it use it with nad 520 CD player nad tuner and mission M30s speakers on alphson stands sounds lovely
Avoid the A400 it does have a bit of a bright balance.
The Barbarian
27-01-2015, 17:44
I've had the nad 3020e amp over 25 years still going strong never had a problem with it
The '3020e' is not the same amp as the '3020a'
fatmarley
27-01-2015, 19:54
Cambridge Audio Topaz AM1 (http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/cambridge-audio/topaz-am1/camb-topaz-am1-blk)
Wakefield Turntables
27-01-2015, 20:02
NAD 3020a, great little amp. Punches well above its weight.
NAD 3020a, great little amp. Bass too - Punches well below the belt.
Cambridge Audio Topaz AM1 (http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/cambridge-audio/topaz-am1/camb-topaz-am1-blk)
No good….needs to have a phono stage built in.
Okay, here's the amps I'm considering. Your thoughts please guys??
Luxman L-3 (Nice looking thing, on ebay but no bids yet).
QED A240 CD (as mentioned above £75.00).
Pioneer A400 (offered on the Wam for £70.00).
Arcam Alpha 5 (offered on the Wam for £75.00 delivered).
Nad 3020A (on ebay £75.00).
Harman Kardon HK 6250 (Fully serviced, on ebay, no bids yet).
My other kit consists of: Boston Acoustic A26 speakers, Sansui CDD 201V & an old AR turntable.
I mainly listen to Rock, Blues and Pop and don't like…'too bright'
I've owned the pioneer, nad and arcam.
If I had to own one again it would be the Nad. Decent phono stage.
Mind you though, for the same money you could have one of those amptastic mini-1 on offer in the trade section.
The Luxman was a decent amp. Think it was one of their lab series ones.
The Barbarian
27-01-2015, 22:16
Yes it's from the early 80's lab series..
If i were opting for one it would probs be the QED or the NAD
Right boys….last go at this cos I need to be making a decision tomorrow so here are my final choices.
Thoughts and reasoning appreciated purlease.
To drive Boston Acoustic A26's for mainly Rock, Blues & Poop ….Pop.
On Ebay now.
1. Kenwood KA-5090R A big nice looking beastie, bids currently at £6.00 but hefty £22.00 postage. I fancied one of these a while ago.
2. Sony TA-S7 With matching tuner, bids currently at £16.00 Strangely attractive thing (Have a look). Has got ES transformer inside according to Google images. Never seen this model before but I like it.
3. NAD 304 £65.00 posted.
4. NAD 3130 £65.00 posted.
5. LUXMAN L-3 No bids yet.
Offered on Wam
Arcam Alpha 5 £60.00 collected. Wee drive to Preston required.
Seen elsewhere
QED A240CD £60.00 delivered to ma hoose. Worried about it not fitting with the Bostons and being unable to adjust the tone to compensate cos there are none.
If the QED A240CD is the super version then I'd be inclined to take that one. Has a decent phono stage. wouldnt worry too much about tone controls tbh..you dont need them and could always pick up an equalizer if you were keen. Only other one I have heard of is the Lux which is pretty decent too(cant remember if it has a phono though)
The Sony TA-S7 looks interesting. The Kenwood is probably ok but the Luxman is more my cup of tea.
If the QED A240CD is the super version then I'd be inclined to take that one. Has a decent phono stage. wouldnt worry too much about tone controls tbh..you dont need them and could always pick up an equalizer if you were keen. Only other one I have heard of is the Lux which is pretty decent too(cant remember if it has a phono though)
It looks as though the Lux has got a phono stage.
The QED is a series II, the one with 3 dial selectors whereas the earlier model has 2 x dials and 4 push buttons on the left hand side.
It's had 1 x owner from new with original invoice & brochure (That will make it sound better won't it) LOL and it's apparently in perfect condition.
Trouble is I haven't heard either of these brands before so I don't know what their sonic signature is…if they have one.
The Qed isnt the super analogue then, but will still be good. The Luxman was, if I remember a fairly expensive amp in its day and I would be inclined to go with it over the 2 now.
Before I push the button on either,what does anyone think about Cambridge Audio A5 paired with an off board phono stage?
Someone has offered me an A5 for £30.00.
walpurgis
27-01-2015, 23:57
Before I push the button what does anyone think about Cambridge Audio A5 paired with an off board phono stage?
Someone has offered me an A5 for £30.00.
Get it. It's a bargain if it's in tidy order. It'll sound decent and of course it'll work just fine with a Cambridge 540P or 640P phono stage for not a lot more money.
Get it. It's a bargain if it's in tidy order. It'll sound decent and of course it'll work just fine with a Cambridge 540P or 640P phono stage for not a lot more money.
Apparently the paint is marked on the top…I've asked for pics to see for myself.
Are you saying that in your opinion this amp combined with a CA pre amp will be better than the QED?
By the time I've paid courier charges and bought a pre amp they will probably cost the same.
walpurgis
28-01-2015, 00:07
Apparently the paint is marked on the top…I've asked for pics to see for myself.
Are you saying that in your opinion this amp combined with a CA pre amp will be better than the QED?
By the time I've paid courier charges and bought a pre amp they will probably cost the same.
Not having tried the QED I can't say.
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