Best Budget Integrated Hands down


I have sorted through over 1000 threads on this site trying to figure out what is the crème de la crème of budget integrated amps (under $1000.) I have come up with a pretty good list of amps that have great things to say about all of them. I have heard plenty of good stuff, are there any amps on this list that have big pitfalls? If any people have done comparisons on these or have a suggestion please let me know.
• Audio Analogue Puccini SE
• Plinius 8100
• Bryston B-60
• Unison Unico
• Blue Circle CS
• Classe CAP-100
• Musical Fidelity A300
• Audio Refinement Complete
Thanks for any help you can give me.

Eric Baer
iamcrazy111
quality comes in price brackets...within each price bracket you trade off pros/cons but dont expect to find something under 1000$ that will beat something for 2000$
(used pricing at least...some companies will put any-ol number up there for retail/list price!)
I have listened to the Bryston, the Audio Analogue, and the Audio Refinement Complete in my system at one time or another. All are decent enough amps. The Plinius and Classe are very good but kinda in opposite directions.
Of the 3 above I have actually lived with, I will go with the other one I used, the Creek 5350se. It just sounds more refined. The only caveat is it comes with a passive preamp with increased gain in the power amp section. Source components need to be matched somewhat for voltage compatibility. Unless it is a really low voltage source, everything is fine. You can also purchase a gain board for the amp that allows for about 7db more gain but I think it detracts from the pristine sound and imparts a little coloration. The Creek was a Stereophile "Class A" component, a status it deserves IMO.
Going to have to do your homework. All are pretty good little amps.
Certain amps are better for certain speakers than others. They have an almost symbiotic relationship. I'm unfamiliar with the sound of some of those units, I must admit, but if you could tell us what speakers you were considering--or, already have--perhaps more qualified individuals could give you more specific recommendations. They might be able to tell you what is best "hands down"--for you.
Thank you guys for the help. The system as of now that will go with one of these amps is a room about 25x30 and includes
GMA Europa Speakers (89db sensitivity)
Analysis Plus Cables and ic's
with a phillips 963sa cd/dvdp
The weak link for redbook cd's is the phillips but i have a Njoe Tjoeb 4000 in the other room. I really need to just figure out what amp to use.
I'm looking at similar integrated amps. I have GMA Europa speakers, Audio Magic speaker cables, a modified Sony SACD player, and Audio Dynamic Cryo 3 interconnects.

I'm following this thread. Suggestions appreciated. I'm also considering the Jolida 1501 HD, and possibly the Dynaco SCH(?) 35 for an inexpensive amp. I'm currently using an old NAD 7400 series receiver.