Best home audio amplifiers under $300?

Question

I'm looking for a home audio amplifier that I can use for my record player and dvd player.

Whats the best out there for under $300.
No speakers are needed

Answer 1

"Best" can start a long, involved discussion. It depends on what you like, and what you think 'best' means.

If you just ask 'what's the best' chances are you'll get as many different answers as people answering the question.

Look for clean power, low distortion (THD) and especially now, look for CURRENT input jacks. I've got components I can't make the best use of because they don't take HDMI or optical input etc..

Will you be looking for 5.1 ? 6.1? 7.1? Many CD's are not just stereo, although they should play in stereo. Phono will just be stereo. Will you eventually hook this up to other devices? home theater? If so, make sure you have the inputs and outputs for it.

I'd hit the yard sales. Right now, with 5.1 being so common, many people are ditching their old stereo gear for the newer, cheaper surround sound stuff. I picked up an old Harman Kardon amp for $2 at a yard sale this morning. It's got Hello Kitty stickers on it (and some unidentified sticky stuff I don't want to think about) but it works like a charm. A little electronics cleaner, some 409, some steel wool and Goo Gone .. I can either keep it or turn it over on Ebay for $50 .. Last week got an older Marantz amp for $20 (yard sale again) that would probably bring ten times that at auction..

So .. think about what you want to do with it, then hit the search engines!

Answer 2

Can you add a subwoofer witht the Bose Solo? I haven't seen them so I don't know. If not consider a a self powered speaker like Vanatoo, Akitamate and Audioengine 5 plus. These speakers have built in amps and can double as home audio speakers separate from anything. Take a look at them, they give you the best bang for your buck. Give them a while to break in, may not need a sub. If so, take a look at Polk and Velodyne to complement the set. The three suggestions I gave you I believe have a line out to plug a powered subwoofer. This can be a simple hook up. Best.

Answer 3

I would try buying the Sony STR-DG510. It has lots of inputs and outputs so it can be used for almost anything. It should be powerful enough to run your record player and speakers. It is priced at $200. You can also take a step up and get the Sony STR-DG710. It is priced at $310. For the money you get 130 watts more and 6.1 channel surround sound instead of 5.1 channel surround sound and a few more inputs and outputs.

Answer 4

Personally I would be looking at Ebay. An older Onkyo, Luxman or possibly Kenwood. You should be able to find a decent older reciever in that price range. I would even consider one of the Realistic or Optimus ( Radio Shack ) The resale on those is generally lower than other brands with comparable features.