I currently have Arcam A65+ (40 wpc +) - you can get used for less than $400. They are extremely musical - a bit rolled off on top and bottom and are warm, not too detailed. For the price - they are very well balanced. My dealer prefers the sound of Arcam A65+ over its bigger brothers in the diva range A80 and A90 (2-3x more expensive).
I have a TAD-30 integrated from 2baudio.com. Clearly a step up from Arcam in terms of detail, amazingly open top end, nice mid-range, there is plenty of bottom end but is a bit loose - not tight.
I have TAD-60 on order - is actually a TAD-150 Pre-amp and TAD-60 Stereo Power amp. You can tube roll - EL34, 6550, KT88 etc. for changing the tonality and character - tighter bass etc. You may want to consider pre-ordering it - the prices will go up after the pre-order period. For extra $238 - you can get signature version (can be sent in future). Don't forget the power cables for a rediculous price. Paul is a nice guy - talk to him.
Then there is Eastern Electric M520 Integrated retails for $1800 - call Bill for a deal - if he has a B Stock or open box. http://www.morningstaraudio.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=7
This one looks stunning and people say it is all about tone.
For a killer price AV123.com is practically giving away speakers for free
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=33.1
SP3 Integrated Amplifier + Reference 1 Monitor Combo
for $1000
They have Onix H34 B stock which will go for $800 - no remote and put many multi thousand amps to shame. Talk to them - they are nice people and you have 30 day in home trial. You can even get mutiple products for home trial and just send back what you don't like within 30 days - all you pay for is shipping both ways. great reviews on 6moons.com
AV123.com have great combo deals - go through their site - talk to someone on the phone - nice people - tell them your budget or lack of and your sonic needs.
Example, they have Onix XCD-88 CD Player - which is sonically same as the Music Hall CD player (both made in China by Shanling) but at half the price - if you buy other equipment. With their in home risk free trial - one have nothing to lose (except for shipping) and get a chance to try different components in your home/system.
Good Luck.
I have a TAD-30 integrated from 2baudio.com. Clearly a step up from Arcam in terms of detail, amazingly open top end, nice mid-range, there is plenty of bottom end but is a bit loose - not tight.
I have TAD-60 on order - is actually a TAD-150 Pre-amp and TAD-60 Stereo Power amp. You can tube roll - EL34, 6550, KT88 etc. for changing the tonality and character - tighter bass etc. You may want to consider pre-ordering it - the prices will go up after the pre-order period. For extra $238 - you can get signature version (can be sent in future). Don't forget the power cables for a rediculous price. Paul is a nice guy - talk to him.
Then there is Eastern Electric M520 Integrated retails for $1800 - call Bill for a deal - if he has a B Stock or open box. http://www.morningstaraudio.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=7
This one looks stunning and people say it is all about tone.
For a killer price AV123.com is practically giving away speakers for free
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=33.1
SP3 Integrated Amplifier + Reference 1 Monitor Combo
for $1000
They have Onix H34 B stock which will go for $800 - no remote and put many multi thousand amps to shame. Talk to them - they are nice people and you have 30 day in home trial. You can even get mutiple products for home trial and just send back what you don't like within 30 days - all you pay for is shipping both ways. great reviews on 6moons.com
AV123.com have great combo deals - go through their site - talk to someone on the phone - nice people - tell them your budget or lack of and your sonic needs.
Example, they have Onix XCD-88 CD Player - which is sonically same as the Music Hall CD player (both made in China by Shanling) but at half the price - if you buy other equipment. With their in home risk free trial - one have nothing to lose (except for shipping) and get a chance to try different components in your home/system.
Good Luck.