smallest highend manuf.of intergrated amp

Pipetman,
Actually, the moniker is derived from the french "pipette manuelle". We all thought that the name Pipetman worked in all languages. Ever see the original lexan-bodied production before 1977? Ever see one with a small "EM" calibration signature from the mid-late 70s? That's me.
If you're doing molybio, etc., with proteinaceous stuff you might check out a similar positive-displacement clone I helped develop back in 76 called the Gilson Microman.
Cheers.

The Mistral Itegrated strikes a very slim profile. It's about 3" tall on its feet. I have really enjoyed mine for the last few months. You can get 'em used for about 650ish. Very nice little amp. Sweet and musical.

or get one with a plug for an IR remote receptor on a cable and hide the main unit

Half-size Goliath killer high-end gear designed and built in the U.K.: CYRUS

http://www.cyrusaudio.com

Google the line-up and reviews. Highly recommended 

Take a look at the Rega Brio-R.  I have one in my office setup with the DAC-R, Apollo-R, and a pair of Harbeth P3ESRs.  It sounds excellent.  Read the write-up in TONE Audio about the Brio-R.