best sounding integrated for under 2500.00

Rega Elicit, Plinius 9200 ( maybe a bit over your budget but worth it, imo) the Creek Destiny is very good unless it breaks, damhik, ARC Vsi55, Atoll is also a nice piece, but weak resale value I'm afraid.

Is there an integrated amp in the $2,000-$2,500 should avoid? Other than tube ones? I get the feeling you can hardly go wrong with an SS integrated in that price range, though they may be a clunker out there to avoid.

I don't think there are any actual "dogs" I think there will be better sonic choices for the OP's speakers. If the choice will be solid state I'd stick to something that errors on the musical side rather than the more neutral, PSB's are a nice speaker but with the aluminum dome tweeter I'd be careful with my amp choice. The Plinius 9200 would work well and if the OP isn't going to really crank things up the Rega Elicit is a really musical amp too.

Going back to the original question...and budget.

The PSB Stratus Gold speakers need some juice to sound their best. They are a nominal 4 ohm load with dips below 3 ohms - while many of the integrateds here are, in fact, fine machines, they are not optimally suited to drive such a load. From what I've read from current and past Gold owners, the more clean power, the better.

On my radar are Musical Fidelity (A308 and A5), Krell, Plinius...any others that deserve consideration?

I'd prefer to avoid class D amps; the ones I've heard have not exhibited the warmth I prefer although I am not close-minded on the subject.

A used Portal Panache (100w/8 200w/4) would be a worthy choice - though you can get it new for $1795. Unverified rumor is that Nelson Pass designed the circuit. The Ayre would be wonderful IF it had more power for the PSBs, but I think it would be a bit shy.