best sounding integrated for under 2500.00

I'll 2nd/3rd the Yamaha AS-2000. Very powerful, neutral, spatial & smooth, plus a very nice phono stage. For a bit of tube musicality, the PrimaLuna Prologue series r very well built & emotionally satisfying. They also allow either EL34s or KT88s and an added phono board so you maintain flexibility in speaker/mood matching. I appreciate the versatility each offers
over the long run.

Without a doubt just chance to better tubes the Coincident Dynamo
SET integratd amp the Japanese transformers are excellent
And 8wpc ,But transformers are built over 40% bigger then they need to be
Superb dynamcs and detail. If tiyr speakers are 90 db or over in a med size room .excellent i have a powered sub ,amd Omega Alnico speakers great combination. EL-34 tubes Psvane mk-2 Mullard 5ar4 rectifier,and Tungsol
1948 smoke glass 6SU7 tubes . Others have compared $4,000 amps against this. This is a Giant killer without ant reservation. P.s
Evrn more potential in modding Khozmo volume ,Jenson 4 pole caps, and Jupiter coupling caps that is the next step to transform this even further
If you are into modding .

Bel canto c5i is a fabulous piece. Pretty much just plug and play for any source and enjoy.

Hey Mapman,

How do the DAC and phono stages compare with the ones in your main system?

In the original price range(from 4 years ago!), The Parasound Integrated should be on the short list. Parasound's house sound is to the warm side and their Halo line is really something special.