Integrateds, for $1000.00

Take a look at the Plinius 2100i. It has recently been upgraded and is supposed to sound very much like (if not identical to) the extraordinary 8150. US list price is $2000, but can be bought new for a price close to your target.

If you are willing to buy used equipment, you absolutely should include the Bryston BP-60 on your short list. It has gotten outstanding reviews by a wide variety of audio mags. I have heard the BP-60, and it deserves all the praise it has gotten. If you want more info on the BP-60, look at Bryston's Web page at: www.bryston.ca/

Sim Audio.$1300.00 new,$1000.00 demo.(try gcaudio.com).

The Audio Refinement Complete, made by YBA ROCKS. it retails for $1k, has a remote, and side by side with the Jolida, whick I was once in love with, there is NO CONTEST. If I had more sensitive speakers, I would sell my Conrad Johnson/McCormack setup and buy this integrated- and stop reading Stereophile. If you can get your hands on one of these to audition, I PROMISE YOU, (as a total stranger) it might leave you thinking... do I really need to spend more??? It's that good. Smooooooth mids and highs, tubelike, but without the tube "thickness"to the sound. Bass is oh-so solid, this is truly a winner- and I don't even own one. All you other dudes take note, if you haven't heard this one, make an effort. It is worth it. G13