Best integrated amps under $9k

willgolf, while the integrated amp I have and would recommend may not be on par with some other recommendations made in this thread, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the integrated that I own/use - a Musical Fidelity M6si. Like all manufactures who boast about their equipment, in this case, part of the marketing speal is it's exceptional VALUE. Depending on the dealer, etc. it can be had new for somewhere between $2600 and $3000. Musical Fidelity claims anyone would be hard pressed to hear a difference between it and anything else costing many times more. I personally listened to a Krell Vanguard along side the M6si and was didn't hear enough (if any) of a difference to warrant spending another 2 grand on the Krell. 

fliz, as to the exception, I checked-out the website and based on the description this does appear to be more than viable option. At least the website is informative and includes pricing info, unlike the other sites mentioned in this thread. I would welcome an opportunity to see/hear one in person, but that doesn't seem to be an option as the sales portion of the site doesn't indicate there are any dealers close to my location (Long Island, NY).

I do have one "issue" with the exception, however, that I simply cannot get past and frankly this would likely preclude my ever purchasing one. The wattage. 50wpc is simply too low. No head room what-so-ever and even with very efficient speakers (92db?) it would be conceivable to drive the unit into clipping if heavy metal or many rock songs are passed through it and the desire is to achieve anything close to concert levels. Even if the desire is to only play at modestly loud levels (98db), that would likely require (of course depending on speaker efficiency) 8 watts or thereabouts and there just isn't enough headroom with 50 being the max it could do. Also, speaking in general terms, I've read in numerous other posts that it is "better" to have an abundance of power in reserve even if never needed, as it contributes to the quality of the sound when played with significantly less than the max rated wattage.

I would have to think the  designer of the exception would be better served making the same unit in a 150 (or more) wpc unit and upping the price another grand or so.

Jafant,

He mentioned that 9k was his budget. Why would he look at a ML Intergrated that is 12k?

Simple really, buy used/demo. There is not much difference in $3K ?

It seems to me that the Totem Hawk would be to small for a 25x28 room. With your stated criteria, "sound quality is really important to me", I suggest you first find a speaker that is well matched for your size room. Then find an amp that will work with the speakers.