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Best sounding integrated between $1500-$3000

There seems to be a lot more new integrated amps on the market recently, and also a fair amount of used pieces on AG. I have seen other threads in the past on AG asking:.... "Best integrated Period"

I have even posted about older integrateds, and was surprised at the response for Musical Fidelity "300" series IAs. There are ads for used good to very good condition integrateds like YBA, Edge, Krell, Redgum, Pathos, Audio by Van Altine, etc.. I think the question should be amended to include the attached rider: :What is (not only) the best sounding integrated amps BUT best value between $1500-$3000??
sunnyjim
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Well obviously there is no best, in any category in this subjective hobby, or questions like this would have a definitive answer. One man's trash is another man's treasure, and vice versa. That said, the best that I have heard in that range is the VAC Avatar, as always, YMMV.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,483 posts
 
I would be seriously considering any VAC in good condition that can be had for less than $3000. ARC also. Rogue would also be hard to go wrong with.

All these are tube integrateds, so of course pre-requisite is to use them with speakers and in a setup that is amenable to tube amplification as opposed to Solid state.

For SS, I would look no further than a good Class D integrated, Like Bel Canto or Wyred.
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
Yesterday there was a Hegel 100 (I think), for sale. Retailed for $3,000. Going by word of mouth, it might be nice. Now, if Job releases an integrated........your search may be over. What are your power requirements, speakers, listening tastes/habits. There is a lot of info your not giving us.
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
Also, regarding what Mapman said, I had a Wyred integrated (STI-500) and loved it. Very non-transistor sounding....in a good way.
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