The Prima Luna Prologue 2 integrated tube amp available from
Upscale Audio is one of the best amps that I have ever heard in 35 years in this hobby (I am 48 years old). I paid $1345 and have never been so pleased with any component that I have purchased. I actually feel that at $1345 it is a bargain and can't think of another amp in the up to $5000 range, that would better it. I am so pleased with its performance, that I have sold the solid state Musical Fidelity power amp in my main system (a $3000 A300 CR) to buy another Prima Luna. Yeah, I am a fan.
In experimenting with what speakers to use with my Prima Luna (I currently use single driver Omega Super 3's (list $540), I tried a pair of NHT SB2 ($400 list) for about a month and the system produced some of the most emotional, nuanced music that I have ever experienced. No other amp that I tried in close to two years, got that type of performance from the NHT SB2.
If the $1000 plus category for an integrated amp is too steep, go with the NAD C320BEE at $400. It may not pull on you as much emotionally, but it gets so many other things right. I can not think of another amp below $1000 that betters the NAD. Once you pass the $1000 range, save up for the Prima Luna.
Speakers and CD Players make this discussion too complicated, so I'll quit while I'm ahead of the game.
Regards, Rich