Favorite integrated amp?


I`m researching integrated amps for my first system (either tubes, hybrid or ss). My budget is fairly open but let`s say...$1200-$1700 (used). I`d like some in-put from those of you who use int. amps in your system. I`d also like to hear what the rest of your gear is and why you like your particular amp.

I enjoy "old rock"...jazz...choral, and some classical.
capt369
I have a Bel Canto eVo2i integrated and love it. They are fairly rare, but I think there is one being advertised right now. It is basically the eVo 200.2 power amp and the Pre-1 preamp in a single chassis, with one of the preamp gain stages removed. If you like the Bel Canto class-T amp sound, which I think is incredibly balanced across the frequency spectrum, you'd like this. The preamp section adds is very transparent. Power amp output is 120 wpc in to 8 ohms, 200 wpc in to 4 ohms. If you want more details, you should check out the review at www.6moons.com. I think SoundStage is going to be reviewing it soon as well.

The Meridian you are considering is a great unit. I would also recommend the Wadia 830. Great sound . . very quick and detailed, but not gratingly so.

Whatever you decide, good luck with your audio quest!
Audiomat Arpege. $1200+/- used. 30w/c tube. Liquid gold.
Using with JM Reynaud Offrande speakers, Ah!4000 tubed CD player, Phillips SACD1000, and Music Hall MM7 TT.
second the Audiomat tube integrateds: self-biasing; EL-34 tubes are run conservatively and built quality is Sherman-tank like. Above all, incredibly musical.

The Prelude Ref is excellent, if you can stretch the budget a bit to ~$2,500 used (two on the 'Gon for sale right now), although above recommendation of Arpege is also a solid choice.
Bryston B60 - Using mine in a bi-amp setup with the B60 driving the midrange/tweeters on Apogee Stages, with a Bryston 3B handling the woofers. Able to drive these 3 ohm speakers to wall shaking volumes and sound so smooth...
Believe it or not, Vintage Scott 299-B, 222-C or 222-D ( LK-48) can do just what you need to mate with reference 3a Di Cappo. It is probably one of the best integrated Amp out there. Go take at 2 channel forum on http://www.klipsch.com/. You'll see why many folks really like the Scott integrated amp. You can also look for Cary and Audio Note integrated amp.