Integrated Amp -- $1,500 or less.


I am in the process of downsizing my system. The only thing that I plan to keep is my Tyler Acoustic Taylor Ref. Monitors. I would appreciate suggestions on which integrated amps to audtion in the $1,500 or less category (new or used) to replace my Supratek Chardonnay and Bryston 4BSST (please, no Bryston comments -- I happen to think this was a great match). I realize that I am going to be sacrificing quite a bit as a result of this change, but changing priorities (i.e., WAF) dictate the change. Also, although the Bryston was 300wpc, the Ref. Monitors are pretty easy to drive, so power is not a constraining factor. My next step will be to find a CD player in the $500-$1000 category to match whatever amp I choose, so suggestions for well matched systems are weclome as well.

Thanks.

Tom
boschtb
I stumbled across a used Primare A10 recently, it is one helluva nice integrated and set me back all of $550. Really nice build quality, good remote, and puts out a respectable 50wpc. Not that well know cuz it's Swedish but the ergonomics, component selection, and inputs/outputs are very well thought out. A headphone jack would have been nice, guess you can't have it all. It has a somewhat dark/laid back quality to it that I enjoy; similar to the Audio Refinement with maybe just a touch more mid-range bloom. Certainly worth considering IMHO. Jeff
There is an EAR 834I for sale now for $1500. If you can put up with tubes, this is one supurb integrated. I use the 834L line stage in a 2d system and love it - tonally it sounds very much like my ARC sp10. If I were to downsize this would be #1 on my list.
A Unico would be a solid choice. Buy a used one from the listings and use the rest of your budget for music, cables, etc.
I am demoing a Portal Panache (demo unit $1300). It sounds really nice with my Paradigm Studio Reference 20s.