I don't think you are. Another benefit of buying speakers and amp is flexibility for the future.
- You want to compare a second pair of speakers? Just hook them up.
- You want to add a systemwide MiniDSP? Make sure your used amp has pre-out/main-in.
- You want to buy a record player but don't want to waste money? Get a used middle class player for the price of todays low end and connect it to phono in.
This isn't as easy with active speakers.
I don't think they sound better or worse by much. I just think you get more for the money if you buy a used integrated amp.
To be honest, i would skip the A-S201 and R-S202, they sound weak and you need very forgiving speakers to have real fun with them.
I think Yamaha starts at A-S300/301.
I wouldn't go back that far, potentiometers get scratchy, relays get crusty. I would stay within the last 5 years or so to get another 10 years of usage.
One of the best in value right now, i think, is the Yamaha R-S700. It has all the features i would want in a used amp:
- pre-out/main-in loop for EQ or DSP
- variable loudness
- plenty of power (same power amp section as the A-S700, A-S701, A-S801)
- looks very nice in silver
- runs a bit under the radar as a receiver, can be had for 200€, sometimes for less with patience
This is what it looks like from the inside:
Just over a year ago I bought an AS501 for my daughter, and it is absolutely fine. It was only 359 euros in the Netherlands, and at that time a lot less than the AS701 that is only just a bit more powerful. In this day and age of internet radio I see no point in buying receivers anymore...
www.audiosciencereview.com
Also worth looking at at Yamaha, but without pre-in/main-out:
- A-S300/301
- A-S500/501
- A-S700/701
Here is what those numbers and letters mean at Yamaha:
- The 1 at the end is the newer line and has a builtin DAC to connect two digital sources, like a TV, XBox, CD-Player or Computer (you may need an external soundcard with digital toslink or coax output for 15€).
- The A is for Amplifier, a R is for Receiver. The S is the current line of products.
- A R-S is an analog FM receiver, R-N means it has network capabilities and builtin streaming. These are still pricey, even used.
- The higher the number, the better the power amplifier section. 500 is better than 300, in power and construction. For example, i think a A-S201 can only be used with 8 ohm speakers. A 301 can be used with 4 ohms. You need proper cooling for 4 ohms, which the 200 line does not have.
As for used speakers, i find the Kef LS50 (first version without Meta) to be incredible value right now at sometimes 500€ for the used pair. But that might be above your budget still. If you can get a Q350 that would be a very good combination with the R-S700.
The Yamaha amps have a subwoofer output, so you can add a used subwoofer later, which for music makes a lot of difference.
Anyway, lots of text. In fewer words: get a R-S700 and a pair of LS50 or Q350 for maximum value, all used of course.