Possibile new Integreated recomendation

I am surprised to see anyone mention the NAD Master Series M3, as it rarely gets mentioned. For a Class A rated product from Stereophile never to get mentioned much is amazing. Even if you believe the ratings are BS, it usually gets more talk then this M3. From the various forums I have read overall it is a really like Integrated. I wish I had a place to hear one. It seems to get more positive comments on other forums then here. Though they are getting pricey at 3 grand, since NAD is such a large volume big discounts off list are usually available, so maybe it is worth a look.

If your budget is like a lot of ours, you probably can't spend much beyond your stated $2500. I would stick with Plinius. If you keep on the look out, 9200's come up for sale fairly frequent and they are very good integrateds and in that price range. They also hold their value. Also as Wayne said, the NAD M3 is worth a listen and they go for good prices.

The McIntosh MA6500. Powerful, smooth, nuanced and dynamic. It was hands-down better than a Classe CA200 + Cary SLP98 in the system comprised of Revel F30 speakers and 1072 cdp....

Arthur

Thanks, I like acouple of your suggestions in particular, Pilinius and NAD (I read the review of this in Stereophile) as well as Krell (can count on the bottom end, used to have an Aragon 2004) and we just got an MF dealer so I can try to hear them now too. What I'd like to match for synergy is a smooth liquid mid range but also have a good bottom end and retain the sparkle of the highs I get currently as well. Asking too much???? If you think of more that may fit please say so (just remember it HAS TO BE SS).

The Creek Destiny is a pretty incredible amp, and lists for $2450. It is extremely transparent, and very direct sounding. The soundstaging is pretty spectacular also. My regular gear is ARC Ref stuff, but I am quite impressed with the Destiny. Very detailed, but still punchy and musical.