Best Integrated for under $1000

Hello,

I have had a NAD 3020I integrated amp. It was nice and simple to use. The phono preamp is good. I had this little amp for about 5 years and I was very satisfied. Then,I changed for a REGA Mira integrated amp. Wow! What a difference! The sound is more dynamic and warm. I have the 1999 version of this amp. I like it very much. The only default is that it emits a lot of heat. In this case, I use a fan and the amp stays cold. The phono preamp is excellent for my turntable Rega Planar 25. The compatibility with my Rega Alya speaker is excellent. I recommend this amp without any shy.

I have a pair of Audio Physic Tempo II's, same speaker as the EX minus upgraded tweeter(I am looking for a pair of EX's,they are rare). I tried them with a YBA Integre DT and it was a very bad match, very lean and fatiguing sound. I got rid of the YBA. I am currently using an Electrocompaniet ECI 3 to drive them with great results. Excellent timing and soundstage with a nice,lush, tube-like midrange. I've seen this integrated on audiogon for under a thousand dollars and highly recommend it,it has remote control and balanced inputs and outputs as well.I have been very happy with this combination for the last three years(!) and that's coming from a guy who used to get upgradeitis every other month!!

Exertfluffer, The A300 retailed for $1,500 new. Sells used at A-gon for $1,000. Sound is tubelike. May have more bass than the cr series as it seems the choke may restrict current flow as well as cleaning it up.

I'm quite pleased with my Blue Circle CS. The price new is 1150. It's very hard to find it used though.

I just read a review of the Cayin integrated at goodsound.com....they seem to like it a lot and it's cheap.