Best integrated, ???

Hi,

I recommend you the REGA Mira integated amp version 1999 (The model which has the appearance of a BBQ not the 2000 one) Why? Because the phono preamp is good and the sound is warm, soft and dynamic. Finally, it doesn't cost the earth! About 1300,00$ CDN. I use it with my REGA Planar 25 turntable. The only default of this amp is that it emits a lot of warm. I use a fan and it stays cold. It is build like a tank!

The autoformers that the 6900 has really help it to successfully drive most any speaker. It is a really special integrated that you would not be disappointed with. Good Luck,

I searched for over a year and settled on a Karan Acoustic KA-i180 based on a TNT audio review. It retails for about $6K. I got mine used for $2200.00. I switched from tube separates to this integrated. It is solid state 170wpc into 8 ohms, warm sounding with great bass control. I use North Creek Rhythm speakers.

Apache:
Allow me to weigh in with my absolute endorsement of the Musical Fidelity Trivista 300 Integrated Amp. I have been in audio heaven with it for a few months now. My Trivista is powering Wilson Sophias and I'm running Transparent networked cables.
The sound is detailed, musical, involving and liquid. The three dimensional nature of the image is remarkable --there is a reach-in-and-touch-it quality to it. The Trivista/Sophia setup seems chameleonlike in its reproduction of recordings of differing source and quality. You will be able to hear the vast differences in recording and production quality and values from recording to recording. However, unlike some speaker/amp combos I auditioned, you will not feel the urge to throw away some of your cds/lps. I listen primarily to blues from prewar to present, and 60's rock, and the Trivista has the power to kick butt with my stuff (even as poorly recorded as so much of it originally was) and sound great doing it. On the other hand, it has the finesse and the refinement to reproduce voice and acoustic instruments as if they are present in your listening room.
I listened long and hard for a combination of pieces which would satisfy my need to hear the music accurately reproduced, yet also satisfy my (perhaps stronger) desire for musicality, and occasional need to crank it up. Trivista hits it all(the Sophias help). Accurate musicality (with balls) seems to sum up the Trivista.
I also extensively auditioned the Mac 6900. I found its sound muddy in comparison to the Trivista, and I felt that it was a bit lacking in power.
I also listened to some very high end ML non-integrated amps, and frankly, was not as engaged as I continue to be by my Trivista.
The Absolute Sound review is pretty accurate in its assessment of the Trivista. The review of the Wilson Sophias in OnHifi (linked thru Wilson Sophia reviews on AG) will give you further input on the Trivista, as it was used in the review of the Sophias (a great combination, I must say.)
I hope that this is some help to you, Apache. Please forgive any of my shortcomings in this note, as this is my first time authoring a response. Good luck and happy listening!
Bill

For the money.A used Acurus DIA 100 is hard to beat.I love
mine.