Best Integrated, period.

Hi Mapman, I agree completely with you there not existing a 'best'. . . . there are too many system dependencies and equally valid user preferences/priorities. Concerning JRDG Continuum, there are 2 variants of the JRDG Continuum integrated. . . between the 250 and the 500, the latter may in many cases yield greater value of the 2, and sound more refined with greater authority. Reason is its use of ASP1000 module and built in PFC circuitry.

The title seems to be offensive, that was not the purpose, so apologies....
Im just trying to find out experiences with the mentioned integrateds. The starting oint is to find a good integrated and build around it. One can assume that a good integrated should be able to mate "fairly well" with a fine turntable and reasonably priced speakers. The Rowland Continuum 500 seems to be a nice unit, although Im not convinced, yet, that it beats the others on the list?

Hi Perrew, as you said, these are all very good units. . . no one unit 'beats' any other one. In the end, you are the only one who can decide what is right for you, based on price, your speakers, your room, and your sonic/musical prefs. G.

Tvad's approach is a sound one.

Match a great amp incorrectly with great speaks and the results will be inferior. Match them well and for a reason and you're playing in the big leagues with many different combos.

Just look at the variety of outstanding systems represented on this site? Which is best sounding?

In the words of the great Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson:

"It doesn't matter which is best!"