Integrated Amp Bargains with good balanced sound?

I used to have a Audio refinement and I am sorry I sold it!! Get one you wont be sorry, you would have so spend a lot even used to do better, the AR complete can be bought for about 450 500 used,to do better used you would have to spend almost triple! I am thinking the next level up would be a Manely Stingray which goes for about 1400 used.This amp while not expensive now soon will be just like the old dynaco st-70 amps getting 700 used new sthey werer under 200.They stopped making the audio refinement and the new amp they make from what I read is not up to stuff,the complete really should have sold for about $1500 new,the only other amp that comes close is the Krell 300i but it will cost you about $900-$1000 used and yes it's better much more power and great bass with lots of air,good luck,Nick

Dkzzz - the AC outlets on the back of the amp are not tapped into the amp's transformers, they're connected to the incoming AC from the wall outlet.

Looked into monster of an Amp Denon PMA 2000, but read only bad reviews form audiophiles and good feedback form Heavy metal guys. Decided to stay away from Denon.
Considered Onkyo A9555, but the price of 440 retail made me skeptical. Reviews form audiophiles confirmed my suspicion that Onkyo is good for watching DVDs and not for listening to classical music from records.
Will be looking for used Rotel, Musical Fidelity or Audio refinement . Trying to stay around $500.00 for Integrated-Amp.
Other advice/suggestions are very welcome and appreciated.

This forum has been a great help . I love it.

Here is an update:
I got Music Hall 25.2 Amp and small Yamaha bookshelf speakers (for now while I am looking for real speakers)).
I swapped speakers for fun and was faced with a very rude awakening. My S. F. Concertino Home speakers are peace of horse manure. They sound like two plastic buckets wrapped in leather and mahogany. Bassy, boomy, bloomy and rolled off on tops. Nothing except bass guitar and drums sounds natural on them.

I also bought (stole) Audio Refinement Complete on ebay and going to compare it to Music Hall integrated.
I hope to end up with some nice gear at the end : something like ATC SCM20 speakers and Krell 300 or Musical Fidelity 300 or YBA Passion since these three are easiest to try and re-sell.

Dkzzzz,

I've read with interest your search for a budget integrated.

I had YBA YA 201 amp (the replacement for the AR Complete) and it is fabulous, contrary to posters who never owned one. Its only weakness is a display that is hard to read in a bright room.

I since sold it for financial reasons (mortgage payment) and bought an Audio Analogue Primo integrated, made in Italy. Another sleeper...very dynamic, but not quite as refined as the YBA 201. I reluctantly sold the AA as a package with my cdp that was for sale (sold the cdp for another mortgage payment...endless cycle). So I'm on the hunt for another budget integrated amp.

I would like your opinion on the MH 25.2 vs. the AA Complete. I'm in the market again and the MHall 25.2's are very plentiful, but I suspect not as good as YBA or AA...but I'm only guessing. I'd like your impressions on the the 2 amps you own.