Stereophile Class A

For Cambridge Audio look for the discontinued A3i. It is superior to their current A500 and other offerings. The A3i was designed top to bottom by Michael Creek, so it's like getting a Creek at a big discount ($250 used). The A3i also comes with a decent moving magnet phono stage.

I use an A3i in a small system in my den/home office along with a pair of the original B&W CDM-1 speakers with MIT-T2 biwire cables; and a Stan Warren modified DVD player. Plus an Onkyo Integra Tuner and vintage Dual turntable.

You can have too much power. Most SET amps lower power versions are better

I used to have an Arcam Alpha 9 integrated that was about 70 watts. Won't win any beauty contests, but was warm, fairly clean and would drive your speakers with ease. Used I think these go for about $450(new 900). When you get some more moolah, you can add a tube pre at a later date, and take a giant step towards the big leagues. I've had some problems with creek stuff, as my cousin has also with an integrated (the 4240?. I you want to go seperate pre/power now, I would look for a used Rotel 980 BX $300 -350 and probably and older CJ tube pre for 450-550.This, IMO, will sound much better than any solid state integrated in that price range.

The Musical Fidelity A3 integrated is a beautiful sounding and looking amp. Afriend has one and loves it. If you want new with a waranty it offers amazing value. They are difficult to find used.