Integrated amp decision, oh the headache

Good points Deborahl and Plsl! Deb, what tubes did you prefer in the Jolida? I found Svetlana good for smoothness, the JJ(Tesla/Teslovak) for overall balanced performance, and Ei for guts. I also think KT88 tubes are a big step up from 6550s, in these amps. Also, have you heard one modified for triode operation? I'm curious to hear one, despite the 50% drop in power. Didn't buy a Jolida myself(I bought a more expensive amp), but I have promised myself a Jolida in a second system one day. Have gotten many of my friends to buy Jolida, and often wonder if it's REALLY worth it to spend more. An upgraded Jolida is VERY close to many more expensive products.

On the Jolida 502, we are running matched Svetlana KT-88 with NOS selected by ear for the driver tubes. The speakers are old IMF Monitor IIIA transmission line speakers. The bass is astonishing. Our main system currently has new Melos Solist 400w each Triode Monoblocks custom made to match our Dunlavy SC-Vs. We listen in a large room to late romantic orchestral music with Sigtech room correction so we need the power downstairs

You might want to look at some older high end gear. I am using an 80's Pioneer Series 20 A-27 integrated amp. I bought new and would put it up against most Integrated amps. made today. I use a Sony DVP-7700 for a cd transport and a Monarchy 22-A DAC. and two pairs of Infinity sm-225's hooker in parallel.

One of the earlier NAD integrateds are very good the model 3080 or 3060,last 2 numbers indicate power per channel. Early NAD design product had very good build qality,and very good parts,and are easily repaired. I remember some audiogon member had a 3080 at $125.00,killer price. Look under NAD to see if he still has it.

For what it's worth, the latest edition of Stereophile is their Recommrnded Components issue, it listed 3 w/in your price range. Cambridge Audio A500 $450; Creek 4330 $495; NAD C340 $399. Also, Musical Fidelity X-A1 $599; Rega Brio $595.