Best intergrated amp for under $2000

No need to spend this much. No kidding, the Cayin TA-30 is a dream come true for audiophiles on a budget, even up to $ 2,000.00

The build quality (anodized anluminium Champagne faceplate and automotive deep blue finish casework is stunning. So is the sound with point-to-point wiring ( try to find this with most amps under 2K ). Read the Abslute Sound review...it's all for real.

It's very complete biasing design means you can use el-34, 6550, 6l6, Kt-88 and more tubes to great effect.

You can EVEN GO SINGLE ENDED by using only two tubes (out of 4) and biasing as per instructions that comes with the unit, for a whopping 4 watss of pure, SET sound, instead of the push-pull 30 watts.

How's this for fun ? And yes, it does sound like a 4 times the price amplifier...I dumped my Sim Audio I-5 for this, with no regret.By comparison, the Sim is dry and lifeless, what a shame, it's an epensive amp for sure. Not even close, this amp looks nice but they should have invested in the sound....

If you see a Cayin TA-30 jump on this unit! It's a steal!

Good luck,
Rob

For solid state look to a used YBA Integre...very nice piece with lovely construction. Used Vecteur int amps are excellent, too, and the Vecteur designer was formerly a YBA guy.

Good stuff.

I have had great luck with the CODA Unison. I just sold mine to upgrade to tubes, but it was the best amp I have had in my system so far-very high current, Class A up to 35watts, and sounds very powerful yet refined (it is a real amp-55lbs). Better than my stock DNA-125. Fairly rich with alot of body for SS, but more than enough detail and no grain. Owners are few and far between, but those who have owned this unit seem to have nothing but praise (CODA stuff, like Aronov (the LS960i is another great choice) doesn't get talked about much, except by those who have had a chance to hear the gear 1st-hand).

I too have the Audio Aero Prima hybrid integrated amp. It is quite a bit better than the Rotel seperates that I was using before. It also cost considerably less money ! Don't get hung-up on brand name recognition.

I listen to the same type of music that you do and am real confident in recommending an older used Plinius Integrated. You can pick one up for about $1,500. If you pick up an early Mark I the 10yr. warranty is transferable. Plus, you'll have $500 to dedicate elsewhere.