Help/Advice Choosing SS integrated

One important thing to consider is the speakers you are driving.

Some integrateds, including some Mc models out there, do not deliver high current compared to separates as is needed for balanced sound with speakers where impedance varies significantly at various frequencies. This is not uncommon with many dynamic speaker designs.

You want an amp (integrated or otherwise) that largely doubles power output into 4 and even 2 ohms for many dynamic design speakers out there.

Several Musical Fidelity integrateds do very well at their price point in this regard, which is why I recommended them. I suspect same true of the Krells, Plinius, and Bel Cantos as well, but be sure before buying if this applies to your speakers.

If Accuphase or Luxman fits your budget should also give them a run. Good resolution, palpable midrange and are anything but dry. Great reputation and excellent built quality to boot.

Have you looked at the Ayre AX-7e Integrated amp? see http://www.ayre.com/products_detail.cfm?productid=12

Luxman

I've owned both the Jungson JA88C and JA88D, and their sound matches your description. They are competitive with most of the integrateds mentioned above, and are a fraction of the cost ($400-$800). Only downside is size and heat (JA88D). If your speakers are not too difficult to drive, the Auranote 'all-in-one' also fits your description. I am happy with the Auranote driving a pair of Duevel Planets.