Opinions on best integrated under 10k?

@uberwaltz

I had the Lyngdorf last year for a few months.  My model had all the modules included.  I absolutely could not use it without Room Perfect enabled, like you've said.  I became quite suspicious that the SQ was degraded on purpose, just to emphasize the quality/importance of using Room Perfect.

My backup integrated at that time was a Cambridge CXA80.  The Cambridge sounded clearly better than the Lyngdorf (with Room Perfect turned off).  RP turned on, Lyngdorf left the Cambridge in the dust.

Digital with the Lyngdorf was quite fantastic, probably the best I've heard in my experience.  But, I could not live with the sound of the analog going through the ADC.  Vinyl playback lost it's warmth, and sounded too polite in my system.  80% of my listening is vinyl, so the Lyngdorf was sold.

If I ever am able to have a second system, and it's digital only, I would not hesitate for one second to get another Lyngdorf.

@robelvick.

You could be correct on the vinyl, I would concur it has maybe lost a touch in the dynamics department compared to say the Hegel but vinyl only comprises maybe 20% of listening.
Mainly Tidal streaming, Bluesound Vault 2 or even cd makes up majority of my listening so mainly digital which with roomperfect is very very nice indeed.

Maybe in an acoustically better room to start with the Lyngdorf would not be so obviously better to my ears.

@robelvick.

 I only went with one option on the Lyngdorf, the analog input board to get xlr and enough analog inputs for my needs.
They did not offer a phono option correct?
I had no use for the HDMI board or the usb board so why waste dollars...lol.
What phono stage were you using?
I am using a dynavector p75 mk3 and am still happy enough with my vinyl sq for the time being.

@uberwaltz

No phono option, you are correct.

At the time I had the Lyngdorf, I was using a Parasound Halo JC3 Jr.  Phono stage.  The sound was accurate and detailed, but too clinical for my liking when playing records.

I had the H160. I changed for separates , Luxman amp and Mac pre. What I got for grossly 4x the Hegel ´s price... Class A midrange richness...brass and sax sound have more meat on the bone, tube like density in the highs and smoothness, better clarity...voices are more in the room its spooky real, bigger soundstage, a little bit more articulation in the bass. 

My advice is get class A amplification ( or integrated).