best ? ss integrated for Dynaudio Contour 1.3SE

Thanks, DavT. I'm going to research the nearest VTL dealer as well as Creek. I keep hearing about the 'hybrid tube integrated'amps.... the new thing, I guesss. Are the designers trying for the qualities of tube with the appeal of solid state? I auditioned the Jolida Hybrid the other day. Warm and smooth but it didn't quite grab me. Well, to my my ears anyway. I think part of it was the fact that I was listening at the dealer's, in a special listening room and through less than stellar speakers. This all contributes to the sound. The only true test must be in your own home with your own equipment, right?

I'll check out the Stereophile review of the Creek also. Thanks for the detailed response. This really helps.

More responses welcome. I'm new at this.

used plinius 8200, or classe cap-151.

I am using 1.3SEs with a SimAudio I-5 with great success for the past year.

It does not appear that my I-5 is underpowering the 1.3SEs. This may be for two reasons - I'm listening in a medium-sized (not small) room and the I-5 is relatively high-current.

If you want to stay closer to the 1000 price point, consider the I-3.

Second on the Plinius. I use a Plinius 8100 with my Klipsch for 2 channel and I love the sound. It is very smooth, warm and detailed like my Eico hf-81 tube integrated. Around $800-1000 used.

I am driving my 1.3SE with Primare A30.1 and love the sound they make.