Can you recommend an amplifier for under $500 / £500?

[left channel]

In that price range most people start looking at powered speakers, direct from their PC or via a DAC with preamp, or they buy much lower-end amps than are being discussed here so far. In this price range you'll find built-in Bluetooth, but I doubt you'll find AirPlay. I've seen small inexpensive AirPlay receivers out there; most are intended to add AirPlay to active speakers.

 

After experimenting with small active speakers for a space-challenged desktop setup, I went with passive speakers and an SMSL A2 TDA7492. The SMSL is very good for the very low price, with tone controls and a line-level subwoofer output. No Airplay, and I don't further munge up my music with Bluetooth, but I think SMSL has some Bluetooth products out there.

 

I've placed an order for a Pro-Ject Amp Box S2, which seems to also have a subwoofer passthrough and may have a different sound worth paying a European price over China options, but it is otherwise is a much simpler product than the SMSL. Simple can be a virtue though, for example when you want to switch everything via a powerstrip: the SMSL amp's volume resets when I cycle the power instead of pushing the amp's own power button (which only puts it in standby). Some say the SMSL has a warm sound, and they might find the Pro-Ject cooler. When I have the second box in place, I'll do a listening comparison.

 

I think by now I've convinced most readers to avoid my world and go with powered speakers plus an AirPlay receiver, no?

 

[left channel]

59 minutes ago, George Hincapie said:

I recommend you have a look at Nene Valley Audio. They are based in the UK and offer a full money back guarantee. All of my amplification, speakers, interconnects and speaker cables are from that company.

 

Have a look at this, which retails for £400: https://www.nvahifi.co.uk/ap20-integrated-amplifier/ 

 

NVA offers an incredibly transparent, natural presentation. I promise you will not be disappointed.

 

Wow! Excellent value. Quality at direct-sale prices. Very interesting designs, and a very interesting designer.

[left channel]

2 hours ago, R1200CL said:

 

Agreed ?

 

May I add this one to the list:

https://www.ghentaudio.com/amp/ga-s125p.html

 

 

 

Love it. Apparently they've moved the City of Ghent from Belgium to China. 

 

[left channel]

2 hours ago, kirkmc said:

Thanks for all the recommendations, even if many of them are way above my budget. :-)

 

I may go for this, if I can find a discount on black Friday:

 

https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/audio_visual/hifi_components/r-n803d/index.html

 

It's currently £699, but it might be £100 off or so. 

 

And, no, it's not an audiophile brand, but I find that Yamaha stuff sounds good, and is reliable. It's got all the connections I need, and it'll probably sound better than the one I have currently (which cost around £200). 

 

It's hard to go wrong with Yamaha, even after all these years. Certain audiophiles just need to get over it.  Good luck finding that brand-new model at a discount though. We'll be cheering for you.