Best Integrated, period.

Having gone through the thread again, I agree there are hardly any integrated amps not included. Power costs money, so the key to getting excellent quality in a cheap integrated, is how much you need. This applies to tubes particularly, but also Solid state, if you want some Class A bias. For me, the only thing making Solid State listenable, is Class A.
I have owned and used a lot of Integrated amps in the last 8 years, Viva Solista, Lavardin IT, Karan K180, Unison Research S6 and now the Pathos Inpol. Of all of them, the Viva and Pathos Inpol were the best, with the Lavardin a very creditable runner up. If I had to choose between them I would choose the Inpol over the Viva, just and with my current speakers.
Money no object, I think it would be the Darzeel, so transparent, fast and detailed, but not a hint of grain and harshness, a wonderful amp. I think I could live with any Ayon amp too. If I had to choose, it would probably be the SET mercury or crossfire.

David12, I definetly agree with you about SS and Class A, that has been my experience too, but I do wonder about some of those Luxman A/B amps that are highly regarded, I do wonder if they somehow have managed to transcend the limitations of A/B power in a SS amp - that would be nice, just don't know if they would really do the trick - but might be worth a listen - but where?

That's exactly what I'm wondering too Pubul57. I really would love to hear from someone who's heard those luxman A/B amps on the Merlin speakers.

Arte Forma Audio Susan with remote controlled Dual lightspeed attenuators will be coming on the market at the end of this month. From what I heard on the forums these lightspeed passive attenuator preamps sound alot better after you put them (inside a amp)! Keep a close eye on this Integrated amp it just might be the best to come on the market yet !!

I have no idea what is best. I do know that I am very happy with my Rowland Continuum 500. It has the blackest background and is really easy to listen to. I've compared it to a few other pricey integrated amps and it easily won out for me. I wish I could hear half of the amps mentioned in this thread as I bet they are killer. One of these days, I'd like go pick up a tube integrated for my bedroom system. I should mention that the Continuum replaced a VTL pre/power.