Best Integrated, period.

For the past week I've had the pleasure of listening to what I consider to be the most natural, non-hifi sounding amplifier I've ever owned....the Clones 25i integrated. Every listening session has me shaking my head in disbelief, not only as to what I'm hearing but why I would want anything else. Bad news for those who refuse to believe good sound is only attainable by spending thousands and thousands of dollars: It's dirt cheap.

Devilboy, I feel the same way about the Exemplar Exception integrated amp. Unfortunately or I believe fortunately, I have a Koda K 10 preamp and BMC M2 monoblocks and know they are clearly and not surprisingly better. But bang for the buck, the Exemplar is great.

Tbg, I'm unfamiliar with Exemplar, however doing some quick research shows me that many people are happy with their products. Looks like they make some nice stuff.

...mine would be Accuphase or Musical Fidelity, because i like solid state resolution and neutrality, but don't want things *too* digitally sharp. i am sure there are others, but i know those offer great quality and a philosophy i like. but that's for me, i would always tell someone to audition until they find their own preferred sound signature.

A friend has an ARS Emitter I Exclusive which is also quite good. Not the typical German hifi, all strident and bright. I would not call it lush, but rather extremely neutral. It's almost certainly more transparent than is my INT-150 which tends towards warmth and less than rock solid bass grip (OK, I like less than rock solid bass grip as that ripens the bass a bit, which I find appealing)