WTB; $100 budget - receiver/int.amp/etc

[Zero]

Heres the deal;

I am getting someone (thats like a son to me) their first audio system. They don't know it yet, but they will when I visit in a few months. He is currently in college, loves music, but has never experienced anything beyond PC speakers. Because of the situation, I see no reason to spend a serious wad of cash, just something to get him started into better audio.

For speakers, I chose the compact, sheilded R15's. Great speakers for a dorm and small bedroom. They also make a very fine starting point.

So what I'm looking for is a receiver, integrated amplifier, or something of that sort for around $100.00. Two Channel only, I'm gunna keep this runt into stereo if I can help it.

What I would like is something along the lines of;

Onkyo TX-8511 receiver, Harman Kardon receiver, Audio Source amplifier, something along those lines.. The only caveat is that I'd definately like the unit to be in reasonable condition, as this is his first set up - I want everything to feel like its new/his.

I am posting this just to get a feeler out there as I will have well over a month to look for something. If you have something, or if you find a deal *ubid, ebay, audiogon, onecall, et all* - please post it here! Mucho appreciated!

Thanks!

[Demiurge]

Fathered a son at 5, eh?

[Zero]

The older chicks always did go for me...:cool:

[madmax]

For $100 it seems pretty obvious to me...
madmax

[Zero]

So thats how it is huh Max? Throw me a bone on a string and tug it away when it catches my attention! I gotcha!

I'm not sure if 6 watts will be enough..

[madmax]

I was thinking more like 35.
madmax

[michael_w]

I'm sure he could do a lot with those 6 watts and r15's (asuming you're talking t-amp?) but if he wants more power what about something like this - nad integrated - (http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1147558457) It's a little over the budget but I'm sure you could find one for cheaper if you looked around a little cheaper.

[Zero]

You win Max. Whats on your mind? The only amp I can think of around 35 wpc that can be had around $100 every now and then is the Legacy-700. Then of course that leaves a little issue with volume control... So I'm lost man, lead me to the water, I'm thirsty!

Michael,

Thanks for pointing out that integrated - Something to keep an eye out for! Typically I'd say the T-amp would be suitable, but some recordings are just poor and require a good amount of current just to get any reasonable SPL out of.

Thanks!

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

That TEAC was the first thing that came to my mind as well...

I know you said $100, but if you could score a good deal on the TEAC and one of those Monarchy passives you've got the whole deal at less than $100.

I know that's probably not what you're looking for though...

[audiobliss]

That NAD does look like a nice unit.

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

I do like that NAD. Sean, are you going for that one?

[Zero]

PM,

The combination of the TEAC Legacy 700 and the Monarchy passive is ridiculous for the money. However, that passive will shoot me right to $160/170 - and this is assuming I can land a legacy 700 for $100.

If you got your eye on that NAD, go for it man!

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

And something along the lines of the Monarchy and TEAC may not be the best thing to start with anyway now that I think about it...especially since you're just trying to get someone into the hobby.

That combination is great, but I can see how having one piece would be better for starting someone out (easy to use, less cables, all that...)

I emailed him about the NAD. That would make a great integrated for the PC rig...

[schwarcw]

I saw a Sony receiver a couple of weeks ago in Radio Shack for $129. I think this was a closeout but they're probably closing these out nationwide. It was regularly $199 or something. Five channels, about 50 wpc if I can remember. $129 for a new unit with a warranty is pretty good for a first receiver. Little more than your $100 budget, might be worth a look or a call to the RS in your area.