Best used amp for around 500

Good followup, Ehart....
he ARC Integrated last listed for $1050 WITH remote, and can be squeezed out for $900 new, or about $700 used.
Try it, Dklp. Quite the nice giant-killer.

You have a lot of great recommendations. Sonograph SA 250, Dynaco St 70 and Complete would be my choices. Interesting mix that would depend on the rest of the system. Integrateds have come a long way and there is more you can do with them. Go after one that has main in and pre out and then upgrade as time and money allow. Counterpoint is good too. Now here is a diferent option. Look for a Adcom 5200 or 5300, which can be had for 2-300 and send it to Stan Warren at Supermods for one of his make overs. If you do not want to go this route, the above suggestions are great. Select 3-4 and see if you can listen to them or get a consensus. Good luck.

If you want to cheap out and still sound good try a used B&K ST140. TG

I went from B&K to Jolida and man was I happy. The B&K was a 4420. Come to think of it, that would be selling for around $500 now.

Here's one other option. Stan Warren modified Adcom 5200 or 5300. Give Stan a call and check it out.