Well, I'm going to take a chance on the Unison Unico again. I'll assume that there was something wrong with the last one. Without haveing a hifi shop near to audition pieces, I'm going to stick with what I know for now. At some point in the future when I have the time and money, I'll pick up one of the SS integrateds mentioned here and do a direct comparison myself. (Thinking Primare, Plinius, Jungson)
I just can't get that luscious sound from the Unico out of my mind, and I like the hybrid approach of getting some of that tube magic without the maintenance, etc. I'm sure its not the last word in detail and upper/lower extension, but it definitely made nice sounding music. Unfortunately (or fortunately given my proclivity for indecision) there aren't many hybrids that retail for $2k and under.
Now I have to figure out speakers for them. I had Totem Arros and liked the sound (especially their imaging capabilities), but I need a little more oomph, as I do listen to rock and orchetral music. My friend's Epos M5's (with modest Creek integreated) moved more air than the Arros!!
So I am thinking of going for a bookshelf/monitor with good bass extension (as good as bookshelves get at least), and adding a subwoofer at some point if needed.
Any suggestions for the Unico for ~$1k used?