Best Integrated, period.

I used to have Luxman 509u and while very good, neutral integrated, my current chinese Vincent V-60 is a much better sounding amplifier for half the cost (must be the tubes). Of course, wouldn't be able to drive B&W speakers.

There is no "period".

period (ergo I am )

To say there is a period obviously implies a couple of ideas. One that there bis an absolutely best integrated. This notion implies that there is an objective measure of best which is clearly not the case. As you see from all the responses there are many many notion of the best. The second most obvious period notion implies an end to the evolution in amp building meaning that no better amp will ever be developed, also highly unlikely.

I have owned a VAC Sigma 160 Integrated with optional Bal input and MC Phonostage for about 6 months now. I would heartily recommend an audition to anyone looking for a high quality integrated amp. I use this with Tannoy speakers and TW Acustic Raven One analog and Macbook/ARC DAC8 for digital sources. Without getting crazy expensive, this setup more than meets my desires. It seems to handle authoritative bass like one would expect from a quality SS amp and has the liquidity and midrange quality that I have only experienced so far with good tube amps. Fewer boxes and cords are a nice bonus but the sound quality is what works for me. No interest in looking for something else at this point. Spending time buying more vinyl and discs/downloads. Hope this helps anyone looking to narrow their short list for audition.