bullet-proof, great sounding Intrateds - used

So I guess tubes are out :-)

thanks guys, I realize at this price level I can't expect much, but was hoping there might be an integrated that stands above the rest - though maybe a little aged.

I have a Sony STR-DA555es receiver I could use, but am wondering if there's a integrated with less feature, better sound. I've had NAD and Rotel gear and prefer Rotel. I also have my eye on Arcam - is it likely an Arcam will best Rotel? How about the Rega Brio or Mira integrated seem to be available used near this price range.

Let me know if any of these stand out, or should be avoided. Any others I should look into?

thanks again . . .

I suggested the Rotel, not because I like it, but because you are asking the wrong question. The question should not be "...what integrated stands up above the rest?" But, "What integrated works the best with my Paradigm 7SE lls?". Rotel amps synergize with Paradigm speakers. If you like a softer and smoother sound, the Rega amps may be just the ticket. If you are already thinking of a speaker that needs a bit more control and drive, I would suggest the Roksan Kandy or Acurus DIA=100. No remote with the Acurus though. And no money left for recreational drugs, unprotected sex and internet gambling. But if you had spent that tenner on Bluegrass Cat to show in the Derby, you would have an extra few quid to splash out with.

I'll make one other suggestion as to something to watch for on the used market. When I was once in the market for a small integrated, I auditioned the brands mentioned above: Arcam, NAD and Rotel. I also listened to a 50 watt Creek. To my ears, the Creek was much better than the others of comparable wattage. It was much more solid in bass. This may have been due to the fact that the Creek had good size caps and a higher current capacity than the others, so I might not be comparing apples to apples. But it was at the same price point so it seemed the better buy. I used it with small Linn speakers and it was a nice refined combo. I don't know what it would be like with Paradigms. I didn't mention the Creek as a possibility in my first post because I thought it would be beyond the price point wou're looking at. But I have seen some small used Creeks in the $300-$400 price range. Actually, I sold mine for $325.

A new Denon Mini system sounds great for the money.
Even has a subwoofer output.