Integrated Amplifier

Why not just get an Anthem P2 power amp, I have an Anthem MRX520 that I use for HT and watching TV, and I have the P2 hooked up to the preouts along with a sub so when I listen to just stereo 2.1 channel I just switch everything with the remote, it really is very easy to set up and my system was set up with the ARC by the place I bought my MRX520 from for $50.00
The P2 can drive any speaker down to a short so from 8ohms basically down to 1 ohm

I wondered why you couldn't just hook a 2 channel amp in using the MRX as a pre. Thanks for that info alucard. 

pjpicket

I don't the use the HT bypass on my Primluna. Would be to much ware on the tubes and to costly. Not worth it imo. I purchased a Parasound A52 plus 5 channel amp for HT.

You must try Pass Labs Int250.  It is a bit over your budget but well worth the extra.

I also like the Cambridge Audio CXA80! I actually love mine! It’s only $1K and a true bang for the buck. If you are looking for something up-market, I bet the Cambridge Edge A integrated sounds even better. It’s $5k and man it looks beautiful!

I’d also add a Luxman integrated as a potential option too! I love my L-590AXII; love the VU meters and it sounds stellar! If you think you need more power than the Class A options, their L-507uXII is an awesome piece with Class AB power a plenty or for the top dog, go for L-509X. I would think any of these would be your last stop to audio nirvana.

I’ve not listened to one, but I was also considering an Esoteric F integrated, before I settled on the Luxman. I have an Esoteric CD player (K-05) and I know their stuff is top shelf quality. Expensive of course.

Kind regards,
Jason