suggestions for used class A integrated under $2k


Hi all...

i'm looking to change things up a bit. I figured I'd gain more value by going with a class A integrated (w/remote!) than with componants.
I like to keep it simple.

Looking for suggestions? I can't demo anything in my area as all there is for moderate hi-fi is B&K and Rotel dealers, and they mostly focus on multi-channel stuff. I'm only looking for two channels. Two *really nice* channels.
My goal is to spend as little as possible..but stay under $2k for sure. $1500 would be my ideal target price.

Im thinking Plinius 8200mkII or Krell kav 300i as they seem to come up in my price range.
Also curious as to the Jolida integrated.

Tube or SS, no matter. I've only heard SS so i'm in for experimenting!
I'm coming from a nice tube pre and McCormack DNA-1.

I listen to mostly live rock/fusion recordings, but also all the classic jazz, country, chamber music and everything in between. I like big soundstage, pinpoint imaging and plenty of punch. I'll be driving a pair of Von Schweikert VR2's in a nearfield setting in pretty big room.

thank you for your suggestions.
128x128nickspicks
Some more suggestions:

- Unison Research Unico
- BV Audio A300 (I -think- that's the right model, do a search on them/it)
- The NEWER Pathos Classic One as mentioned by Marco (closer to $2k, maybe you can swing a deal; don't go for the older one, though)
- Audio Analogue Puccini SE (only 50wpc, but they are very musical watts)

You may be asking too much for a $1500 budget, but I think many or any of the above, along with the Plinius recommendation, is good.
I just got a Myryad integrated (the MI-120, 60 watts per channel) for a friend and it is incredibly dynamic and smooth sounding, esp. for the $500 she paid. The MI-240 is 120 watts and can be found for around $1200. Some dealers are running fire sales on their Myryad gear, check around to see if there are any MI-240's left for sale. I think you would be pleasantly surprised at the sound of these integrateds. The MI-120 is every bit as dynamic and full as another friend's Krell integrated (not sure which model; it retailed for $2500 about 5 yrs ago).
Wont go wrong with either, just dont go for the 300i.
The newer Krells are wonderful, smooth too.
If anyone were to tell you the Krells are bright, email me please. Either they got a wrong match or poorly set up system somewhere. Wonderful sounding amplifier for sure, The 400xi has a bigger transformer so.....if you want the best of that family go the new version.

Look at my other threads on the best integrated, I tried many and shopped around for a year and bought the Krell 300il, even over the Jeff Rowland Concentra, althought the build quality is superb in the Krell 300il the Concentras built was a notch above like you wont get any better I mean . Thats it! I prefered the slam of the Krell, I even had the 300i and it was good, very solid state sound but the 300il is just totally different. Very very nice and will drive anything.