By admin, on August 19th, 2010%
B&H Photo Video has the Onkyo A-9555 Integrated Digital Stereo Amplifier (Black) for $399.95 with free shipping and handling (add it to the shopping cart to see this price). Amazon has it for the same price. That’s a drop of $5 from a month ago, and the lowest I’ve ever seen for this model (over half off). Stereophile has a very positive of review of this amp, stating: “To say that I was impressed with this product would be an understatement.” The review concluded: “If you want significantly better sound, be prepared to spend much more. Yup, I was impressed.”
By admin, on August 12th, 2010%
For the DIY crowd, Parts Express has begun selling a number of class D/T amplifier modules which can easily be used for custom projects. Check out their New Product Announcement Flyer for more details.
By admin, on July 21st, 2010%
Electronics-Expo has the AudioSource AMP-100 2-Channel Bridgeable Stereo Power Amplifier for $74 plus $14.99 shipping and handling. Even with shipping, that beats my prior mention of this product by $2 (just over 3 weeks ago). This is designed for use as a “Zone 2″ amplifier, typically run from a receiver with multi-room capability. However, it is also a perfectly capable amplifier for a budget music or computer setup, particularly if you aren’t attempting to hook up multiple sources at once. Check out this review from Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity for more information. This would be ideal in an office setup hooked up to your computer or to a CD player (if you only play CDs), driving a nice set of bookshelf speakers.
By admin, on July 20th, 2010%
HCM Audio (via Amazon) has the Music Hall A25.2 Integrated Amplifier for $495 with free shipping and handling. That’s $100 below my last mention of this product back in mid-April. Check out the review from the absolute sound for more information.
By admin, on July 15th, 2010%
Audio Advisor has the Musical Fidelity M3i Integrated Amplifier in silver or black for $1,500 with free shipping and handling. Now that Audio Advisor has sold out of the Musical Fidelity A1 amplifiers it had earlier this year, this is the most affordable integrated amp in the Musical Fidelity line (it’s also a sweet looking piece of equipment). Couldn’t find a review of this model yet, but Musical Fidelity products are generally regarded as being of high quality. You can get more information on this model at the Musical Fidelity website.
By admin, on July 4th, 2010%
World Wide Stereo takes up to 60% off everything in the store with coupon code “HAPPY4TH” (expires 7/7/10). Of note, this appears to take 20%+ off both NAD amplifiers/receivers and Peachtree Audio integrated amplifiers (the first time I’ve seen Peachtree Audio amps discounted).
By admin, on July 3rd, 2010%
Audio Advisor (via Amazon) has the NAD C316BEE Integrated Amplifier in stock for $349 with free shipping and handling. This model replaces the highly regarded C315BEE.
By admin, on June 25th, 2010%
World Wide Stereo is taking 20% off NAD electronics with coupon code “G006AUD25″ (expires 6/30). This leads to the best prices available on most NEW (not refurbished) NAD amps, preamps, and receivers. All products come with free shipping and handling. NAD products regularly receive outstanding reviews for build and sound quality — and the prices with this coupon in many cases match prices for refurbished units. I’m a particular fan of the stereo integrated amps (models C326BEE, C355BEE, C375BEE). NAD provides links and/or reprints for most reviews of its products on the NAD website.
By admin, on June 23rd, 2010%
B&H Photo Video has the Onkyo A-5VL Integrated Amplifier for $448.99 with free shipping and handling. That’s at least $20 better than the next lowest price available, and the lowest I’ve seen for this model. This amp offers some interesting features, including built-in digital to analog converters (192 kHz/24-Bit Burr-Brown DACs). There’s a positive review at about.com. You can find good pictures and some details on specifications in this overview by Home Entertainment Magazine. However, note that the review at What Hi Fi? is luke warm. That said, it’s a pretty sweet looking amp, and looks even nicer with the matching CD player (Onkyo C-S5VL C-S5VL Super Audio CD/CD Player).
By admin, on June 17th, 2010%
The newly released Cambridge Audio Azur 350A Integrated Amplifier, Silver is now available from either Dedicated Audio or Spearit Sound (both via Amazon) for $449 with free shipping and handling. This model replaces the extremely popular 340A, which had been selling as low as $269 when they were clearing out the last of the old stock. No reviews of the new model yet, but you can check out the Cambridge Audio site for more on the specifications.
By admin, on June 17th, 2010%
Audio Advisor (via Amazon) has the hard to find Marantz PM5003 Integrated Amplifier for $449 with free shipping and handling. Although not the lowest price I’ve seen for this unit (best price was $429 at OneCall with a coupon which lasted one day and expired March 15), it has been extremely popular (and scarce for the last few months). It was reviewed in the January, 2010 issue of Stereophile. After waxing on about the various perceived sound differences between this and much higher priced equipment, the reviewer summed up his experience with the PM5003 with the following:
If I buy the Marantz, how will I stand? You’ll stand mighty proud. The Marantz PM5003 is a stunning achievement: an uncolored, revealing, well-built gem with more features than anyone could possibly ask for at the price. I’d almost go so far as to suggest that all well-heeled audiophiles buy one, just to create a benchmark in their minds for what’s available for $450 from today’s talented electronics designers. I plan to keep my sample around for a while, as I seek out other components to couple with it as candidates to be included in complete two-channel systems that are highly revealing and musical but that retail for a total of no more than $1000. That ought to keep you youts happy for a while.
By admin, on June 10th, 2010%
Parts Express (via Amazon Marketplace) has the Dayton DTA-1 Class T Digital Amplifier 15 WPC for $36 plus $5.32 shipping and handling. Although $2 more than my last mention of this product in mid-February, it’s down 20% from yesterday (it’s been selling for $44+ for the past couple of months). An AC power supply is included (it also runs on AA batteries). This is an exact copy of the Sonic Impact 5066 (no longer made), which earned rave reviews and quickly sold out everywhere. This review at Stereo Times gives a good description of why it was so popular (as well as its relative strengths and weaknesses). In short, amazing sound for the price in a tiny plastic box. But at this price, why not give it a shot? I previously featured a similar model (Here’s my prior post) that is still available.
By admin, on June 5th, 2010%
Parts Express finally (after many months) has the Dayton DTA-100 Class-T Digital Amplifier 50 WPC in stock and available for shipping for $99.90 with free shipping and handling. This is similar to the highly rated Sonic Impact T-Amp (with nicer binding posts and case) (check out this October 2006 review of essentially the same product in a slightly flashier case at Stereophile.com). TNT-audio also rated a similar model very highly. If you only need one input, have a pair of decent speakers, and are looking for a clean amp to drive them, this may be the product you’ve been looking for. You’ll probably spend more on just the speaker cables. I’ve previously mentioned the scaled down DTA-1 model (currently selling for $44.80 plus $5.82 S&H).
By admin, on May 21st, 2010%
Musical Fidelity Integrated Amplifiers seem to be a big draw for readers — unfortunately the small stock of A1 amps at AudioAdvisor sold out quickly earlier this year. I’ve scouted a couple possible retailers in Europe as potential sources (though many won’t ship to the U.S.). Here in the states, you can now pick up an a new model integrated amp – the M6i from Musical Fidelity at AudioAdvisor for $2999. There is a slightly smaller version, the M3i, currently available only through Glen Carol Audio for $1499. I wouldn’t hestitate to buy from AudioAdvisor, might want to learn more about Glen Carol Audio before pulling the trigger.
By admin, on May 9th, 2010%
Cos Cob TV & Audio (via Amazon) has the Denon ADV-M71 Integrated Progressive-Scan DVD Player and 2.1-Channel Amplifier for $399.99 $299.99 $249.99 plus $10.49 shipping and handling. It’s the only place I could find a new in box (i.e., not refurbished) version of this now discontinued model. This unit sold for $599 when it was introduced circa 2003. It received an excellent review from Gramophone at the time. No blu-ray capability, but this would make a nice office or bedroom system paired with some good bookshelf speakers (perhaps the Jamo C401 2-way cherry color Concert series bookshelf speaker pair which are still selling for $79.88 with free S&H).
By admin, on May 7th, 2010%
For those of you who have been trying to find the Cambridge Audio Azur 340A Integrated Amplifier, it appears to be in stock (in the black finish) at decibel audio for $289 with free shipping and handling (with coupon “free3day”). That’s the best price available by $60, and decibel is one of the few retailers which still has stock of this item (which is either being discontinued or is in short supply in the U.S.).
By admin, on May 2nd, 2010%
Spearit Sound (via Amazon) now has the NAD C315BEE Integrated Amplifier (refurbished) for $279 with free shipping and handling. That’s $70 under the price for a new, sealed-box unit. This price was previously available only through the Spearit Sound website (and not through their Amazon store). This is a very highly rated entry level amplifier – see the review from SoundStage! for more information.
By admin, on April 22nd, 2010%
For those who prefer to buy from Amazon (i.e., for those who get gift certificates from credit card purchases, etc.), Spearit Sound (via Amazon) has listed the NAD C355BEE Integrated Amplifier (refurbished) for $599 with free shipping and handling (matching the price on the Spearit Sound website). Also available through Spearit Sound’s Amazon store is the NAD – C -375BEE – Stereo Integrated Amplifier (refurbished) , for $999 with free shipping and handling (also matching the price on the Spearit Sound website). The less expensive NAD models, the C315BEE and C326BEE, are still available only through SpearitSound.com. Both come with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty.
By admin, on April 7th, 2010%
Music Direct has the Simaudio Moon i5.3 Integrated Amp for $2,499 plus shipping (actual ground rates). That’s $1,800 under retail and the lowest price I could find for a new unit (others are selling floor models/demos of this same amp for the same price). Check out the review from SoundStage for more information on this high-end integrated amp.
By admin, on April 5th, 2010%
Amazon.com has the AudioSource AMP-100 2-Channel Bridgeable Stereo Power Amplifier for $98.64 with free shipping and handling. That’s an incremental decrease on this model, but still the best available after factoring in shipping, etc. This is designed for use as a “Zone 2″ amplifier, typically run from a receiver with multi-room capability. However, it is also a perfectly capable amplifier for a budget music or computer setup, particularly if you aren’t attempting to hook up multiple sources at once. Check out this review from 2004 for more information. This would be ideal in an office setup hooked up to your computer or to a CD player (if you only play CDs), driving a nice set of bookshelf speakers. For possible speakers, see my earlier post on the Jamo C401′s, if they are still available, or my post on the Polk Monitor 40′s.
By admin, on March 29th, 2010%
Accessories4less.com has the Marantz PM8003 Intergrated Amplifier for $799.99 plus $20 to $40 for shipping and handling. Even with shipping, that’s at least $150 better than anywhere else. Accessories4less is an authorized Marantz dealer and has decent reviews on resellerratings.com (though I’m not sure I’d recommend buying refurbished items from them based on the feedback I’ve seen thus far — if you have experience purchasing refurbished items from Accessories4less, let me know). This unit is NEW with a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty. There’s a nice review on this model at GoodSound! from June 2009. Another review from Audio Video Revolution summed up:
If an amplifier upgrade is in your future and you have a grand for budget, the PM8003 deserves strong consideration. Sleek design, excellent build and performance, and a better-than-expected phono stage, await. Listening to the PM8003 brought back many wonderful childhood memories and made me glad Marantz is still here with me, decades on. That Marantz sound and shining blue light are still magical.
By admin, on March 28th, 2010%
Spearit Sound (via Amazon) has the NAD – C 372 – Integrated Amplifier (refurbished) for $699 with free shipping and handling. This model was recently discontinued (the last of the new units sold out at Spearit Sound earlier this month) – however, they now have these refurbished units, which carry a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty, for $100 less. This integrated amp received rave reviews from Stereophile, SoundStage, and The Absolute Sound, among others. It retailed for $899 when first released, and had climbed to $999 before being discontinued.
By admin, on March 23rd, 2010%
Spearit Sound (via Amazon) has the NAD Masters Series M3 – Amplifier (refurbished) for $2,150 with free shipping and handling. That beats the best price available for a new, sealed-box unit by $849 (it’s also the first time I’ve seen this model for sale as a factory refurbished item). Check out the review at Stereophile for their take on this high-end “dual-mono” integrated amplifier (it’s on their list of Class A recommended components). Also be sure to read the glowing review at AVguide.com. The full specifications (along with more pictures and links to other reviews) are available on NAD’s web site.
By admin, on March 15th, 2010%
OneCall.com has the Marantz PM5003 Stereo Integrated Amplifier for $429 with free shipping and handling (after coupon “GREEN”). Coupon expires at the end of the day today (3/15/10). This is the first time I’ve found this amp (other than open box) for less than $449. Check out the review at Stereophile for more information.
By admin, on March 4th, 2010%
AudioAdvisor (via Amazon Marketplace) has the Cambridge Audio Azur 340A Integrated Amplifier – Black for $269 with free shipping and handling. That’s $80 better than the next lowest price. While not particularly high wattage, this amp is well regarded for its clarity. Cambridge Audio is a UK company which has staked out the low-price end of the hi fi market. Tone Magazine (a New Zealand publication) reviewed the 340A (along with the 340C CD player) back in September 2006, and gave it a “gold award”. The reviewer concluded his review with the following: “As you can gather, I am impressed by the attention to detail throughout and give the Cambridge Audio Amp and CD a hearty recommendation. Their sound and build quality belies the price. In fact, I had trouble putting them back in their cartons at the end of this review.”
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About Hi Fi Audio Deals Hi Fi Audio Deals seeks the best deals in home and portable audio. We only list products we would buy for ourselves or recommend to friends and family, and only from retailers deemed to be reputable. Bookmark our site and check back regularly for new bargains. Unfortunately, deals often expire after we list them, sometimes within hours. If you find that a deal has ended or sold out, or if you are aware of a lower price or new deal, please email us at ryan@hifiaudiodeals.com and let us know.
about the author Ryan is an attorney by day who dreams of one day buying the high end audio gear that's reviewed in Stereophile, but who can't bring himself to part with the big bucks to join the audiophile club. He started this site at the behest of his wife, who thought he should be doing something more productive with his spare time than just searching for deals on audio equipment.
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