Hello,

I'm a newbie and not a high end audiophile. It's been a long time since I had a good sounding stereo.

I want to put together a new system for my office. I can close the door and listen to music without interruption or spousal objection. Plus I've become accustomed to ripping music to my computer. I find it easier to use song lists and search for artists "online".

I recently bought a pair of NHT Classic 3 speakers. I'm driving them with an old Harman Kardon HK3500 receiver. I'd like to replace the amp and do something about my audio source.

I have a bunch of old gear in the living room. I have a Nakamichi CA-5 / PA-7 preamp/amp combo. I also have a Crown IC150/DC300 in the garage that needs new caps. I bought the Nak to replace the Crown some 25 years. My system never sounded the same.

I have an old Thorens TD320 and a pair of B&W DM3000 speakers.

I have a ARCAM CD192 that won't load disks.

So my dilemma. Should I try to integrate any of my old crap into my new system? Or should I just leave the old crap in the living room and buy new gear for my office stereo?

I think the ARCAM is worth fixing. Should I look at an ARCAM A90? Will 90Wpc leave me power deprived?

Or would I be better with another integrated amp and a USB DAC setup? Are NAD amps appropriate for my needs?

Should I look at used gear? If I can get a used BMW for the price of a new Toyota...

My budget is somewhat flexible. I'd like to pay around 1K for an amp, but have a feeling I'm going to end up closer to 2.5K.

Help!

keith

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