Integrated with Phono Stage under $10K

What about the Classe CAP-2100 Integrated? List price is $6,000. I believe a factory installed phono preamp dual mono moving magnet and moving coil for turntables (a $500 upgrade) is also available (please confirm this option). I own the Ayre AX-7e Integrated amp and like it very much. Simaudio also makes several integrated amps in your price range.

I found the Classe a little bland, especially for the price. No comments on phono, since I didn't hear it.

The older Sim i-7 sounded a lot like the Pass INT-150 to me, with perhaps a little less mid-bass emphasis. Very clean, very fast, and very neutral. I haven't heard the new series of 600i or 700i--Sim is sure getting up there in price at the top end, but they have a number of amps (maybe too many?) so you can't fault them I guess?

If vinyl is your main source you're going to want an outboard stage, especially at the 10K or below price arena. I mean, just as an example, you could get a Luxman 550A II and any number of good phono stages (nagra? Einstein? etc) at list and still be in budget.

I went from a stingray to an audio note soro. there is a model with a phono stage but i did not need it so cannot speak to that. overall the soro was quite and improvement on the stingray, particularly with the right tubes.

good luck

Ah, one option that comes to mind is YBA Passion Integre. Love that amp. Again, phono stage is good but not excellent.

Another strong vote for the Luxman integrateds. Extremely musical.