Hi,
Sonodyne is the best among the Indian brands. I am using an amp from them in the dining lobby. The amp sounds good, comparable to more expensive CA amps (not NAD), but it has a slight hum when I connect the left channel speaker. I can also hear some noise in the high frequencies, if I raise the volume without playing any music. The newer models with electronic volume control loose some punch at low volumes. I have an old model with a traditional volume knob.
NAD sounds significantly better than CA and Sonodyne. It has a magical quality in its mid-range, and of course has a fuller and more powerful bass. I think it is difficult to beat a NAD at the price you pay for it. Analog audio amps do not need any service. They keep working for decades without any help. I would not think twice before getting one shipped from Mumbai.
If you are particular about having a local dealer, you could also check out the EPOS/Marantz combination. Just in case it is available at Lucknow. I just disposed all the old AVMax magazines last week (my wife got bitten by the spring cleaning bug
), but I remember audio dealers selling many good brands in Lucknow. You would need to hunt around a bit.
I would recommend narrowing down on the speakers before closing the deal on the amplifier. If you go for a demanding floor stander, CA 640 would not be enough. You would need something like a NAD to get the best out of them.
Thanks,
Sharad