$2000-$3000 integrated with DAC ???

HK 990 - a really unique animal. This thing barks up a different tree and will definitely not be for every taste - but it should be investigated by anyone looking to take a digital signal directly into an integrated amp. Check out Kal's (Kr4) recent review in Stereophile.

Marty

Cfluxa,

Core Audio had caught my attention with their all in one solutions. The people who have herd it seem enthusiastic, but it seems not too many have. Can you give some thoughts?

The C7R is 60W per channel into 8 ohms.

I've seen comments that the relatively high peak amperage on the CR7 (30) makes it sound much more powerful that that 60W figure would let on. And that amperage # is considerably higher than the 300iu.

If you split your budget between an external DAC and an integrated, you'll have far more options. Is this a situation where only one box will work?

You may be able to find a used Naim Uniti or UnitiQute here within your budget. They don't come up often. I doubt a Naim SuperNait could be found within your range, but you never know.