the best integrated amp $2500-$45oo pr.

The Sim Audio I-5 is incredible!!! I think it retails for around $2500 I have heard the Plinius stuff is similar to the Sim. I recommend trying one of these jewels!

Icompared my Copland CSA 14 (with upgraded siemens tubes) to the Moon I5 and the Copland was better.

Pathos Twin Towers, without a doubt. I also own over $20,000 in Krell amplifiers...almost three kilowatts of power...but the 35 watt Pathos is more musical, and far better looking. It is in a different league than the other amplifiers people are mentioning.

This is a personal choice, and very dependent on your speakers. Recently for my second system, I went through the same process. I was able to compare in my home Audio Analogue Pucini SE, Audio Refinement, Accuphase e241, Electrocompaniet Eci-3, and a NAD C-340. I bought the Eci-3, because was the best sonic match. It also had a remote which the Pucini didn't. The aditional feature of balance inputs and outputs became icing on the cake to rationalize the extra $ as an emergency line stage for a failure in my main system. By the way the NAD was the best $/sound value this side of used Dyna or DIY tube gear, let alone the very convient remote feature. If you're interested in the Eci-3, I would recommend John Barnes (Audio Unlimited 303-691-3407) as someone that has given me out of state great service for years. He honest and knowns his stuff. cheers, Gerrym5

I for one belive that for this money best integrated is Goldmund SRI 2 for $ 3500 it is the best of the bunch. Good luck