Looking for a cheap speaker amp (under $150)

[MrSlacker]

I sold my T-Amp and want something else. I have Athena AS-B1 bookshelf speakers so I am not really looking for anything super fancy. For now, I will be using Pico as pre-amp. I looked at T-Amp 2, but i'd rather get something more expensive and higher quality. Would prefer not to go vintage route coz been there done that already. Any recommendations are welcomed.

[n_maher]

I'd hit the pawn shops looking for an inexpensive integrated or power amp. I don't think you'll find much in your budget that isn't used. Oh, and you might look for a Gain Clone as well.

[jinp6301]

buy my t-amp that i bought off you again

[grawk]

I got a luxman integrated amp for $100 that I'm VERY happy with. When I check ebay occassionally, there are similar deals to be had.

Here's one, dope

[MrSlacker]

I'd hit the pawn shops looking for an inexpensive integrated or power amp. I don't think you'll find much in your budget that isn't used. Oh, and you might look for a Gain Clone as well.

I currently have a vintage Sony receiver that i got for $35... but I want something more modern

[slwiser]

I know this is a little bit above the 150 mark but you might want

to check it out at 199$:

Amazon.com: NuForce Icon (Integrated Desktop Audio Amplifier, Silver Color).: Electronics

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=49235.0

I have ordered one of these and am looking to get their new S-1 speakers as well.

Here is a review:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nuforce7/icon.html

[MrSlacker]

I know this is a little bit above the 150 mark but you might want

to check it out at 199$:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016U2J52/sr=8-1/qid=1209420834/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1209420834&sr=8-1&seller=

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=49235.0

I have ordered one of these and am looking to get their new S-1 speakers as well.

Here is a review:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/nuforce7/icon.html

One thing I do not like about that amp is that it uses weird cables to connect to speakers. I also could not find the length of included cables. Otherwise, for $200 looks like a cute little product that wouldn't take up must space...

[MrSlacker]

Damn it now I am tempted to order the silver one for $200

[slwiser]

Did you see all the extras including new cables that are coming out for this amp? These are on other threads on the same site:

http://www.nuforce.biz/nuforceBB/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=19

and

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=53930.0

Included cables are 1m each for desktop use.

[MrSlacker]

Yeah I saw the cables...

thanks for pointing out that included cables are 1m long... gotta see if thats enough

[slwiser]

Not to pressure you but that 199$ is very limited in time now I think. It has been up and down lately on amazon as of late. I got mine order in when it was just back up and then it was down. I posted my info after seeing that it was back up. So I really don't know what is available at this time.

[Smeggy]

The icon looks like it'd make a nice little 'stat amp too. It's reputed thunderous bass and smooth highs might be just the ticket.

[Fungi]

My friend here just got one at the $199 amazon price, called them up about ship date, and they said that orders after the 28th will ship around the 18th of next month. I'm actually looking forward to hearing it; might have to replace the Chaintech back home. He's got an 0404 currently but wants to head into speaker territory, so this may be his ticket.

[spritzer]

The icon looks like it'd make a nice little 'stat amp too. It's reputed thunderous bass and smooth highs might be just the ticket.

It should be great but don't use it with anything like the ESP6,7 or 9 or the amp will be damaged.

[Smeggy]

It should be great but don't use it with anything like the ESP6,7 or 9 or the amp will be damaged.

Pah!

I laugh in the face of damage. I live to torment electronics

[slwiser]

My friend here just got one at the $199 amazon price, called them up about ship date, and they said that orders after the 28th will ship around the 18th of next month. I'm actually looking forward to hearing it; might have to replace the Chaintech back home. He's got an 0404 currently but wants to head into speaker territory, so this may be his ticket.

Actually on the Nuforce forum they said the May 18 ship date was something that Amazon makes up and that they had a few units coming in the day of the post and would be going out soon. So some of those backordered ones will be showing up soon. I hope mine will be one of those.

[spritzer]

Pah!

I laugh in the face of damage. I live to torment electronics

You... you... amp killer!!!! :'(

Common ground and switching amps doesn't mix but it doesn't really hurt to try...

[Smeggy]

You... you... amp killer!!!! :'(

Common ground and switching amps doesn't mix but it doesn't really hurt to try...

That's right. Cold and calculated

[Fungi]

Actually on the Nuforce forum they said the May 18 ship date was something that Amazon makes up and that they had a few units coming in the day of the post and would be going out soon. So some of those backordered ones will be showing up soon. I hope mine will be one of those.

Sorry, I should have made it more clear. My friend called Nuforce and they said that they sent out more on the 28th for orders before that, but orders after that have to wait a month.