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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
wstritt
170 posts
 
I own both 5350SE and A300. Both are fine for the money, which was all I cared to spend at the moment.

Several of your choices are available used on Agon:

Audio Analogue:http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1080209535

Creek 5350SE: http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1081703742

MF A300: http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1081782793

MF A3.2 (A300's replacement I believe): http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1081760599

Last one sounds like a deal.

As the Nike commercial said - Just do it.
iamcrazy111 OP
8 posts
 
We are down to four amps now in our final stages of elimination. Every amp on this list is a viable contender.
• Audio Analogue Puccini SE ($1150)
• Plinius 8100 ($2000)
• Unison Unico ($1700)
• Blue Circle Audio ($1150)
I am in an audio wasteland (Memphis TN it is far from the music mecca you may think) and will not be able to audition any one of these. Recomendations are all Ive got to go on. throw them out

Eric Baer
wstritt
170 posts
 
Was it me?
cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
Iamcrazy111:

I have heard each of these and currently have the Plinius 8200 mkII in my system. I'm not sure that the 8100 is up to snuff, so to speak. The 8200 used can be had for your price and I would strongly suggest considering it. Much tighter bass than earlier versions. And much better, up and down, than the Puccini.

Someone above metioned the Cayin TA-30 tube amp. If you're open to considering tubes, I'd put it on your list.... although it seems too late now! But, I did hear the Cayin yesterday at the monthly meeting of the Chicago Audio Society. It blew away the modded McCormick DNA-1 amp + McCormick TCL-1 pre.

For more on the Cayin, check out Paul Grzybek's web site:
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/bizzyb/cayinusa.html
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
I know this response is late, but for anyone scouring the archives...BUY AN AUDIO AERO PRIMA HYBRID AMP!!!!!!!!!
This thing absolutely blows away the Unico, and the Classic One, and virtually every other amp I've heard. No kidding. The separation of instruments is incredible, the balance and clarity virtually unsurpassed. You must hear this amp! It plays jazz as well as heavy rock, and sends bass through my Soliloquy 6.2's like you cannot believe. An amazing product, and about $1300 on the used market!
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