Best Budget Integrated Hands down

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

Was it me?

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

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!