integrated help please

As noted above, the Ayre AX-7e is a basic two channel integrated amplifier without many bells and whistles. It is a great sounding amplifier that works with many different speakers. The Ayre AX-7e Integrated amp sounds much better running with balanced inputs and not RCA inputs.

I own the Ayre AX-7e integrated amplifier driving my Sonus Faber Auditor M Speakers in my living room. The music source is the Ayre CX-7eMP CD Player running balanced cables (XLR) to the Ayre amp. My Ayre AX-7e integrated sounds great to my ears. I suggest you give it a listen.

Depends on the system you're using.

The Ayre mentioned above and the Bel Canto are both good choices for a more traditional 'phile set-up.

However, the Harman Kardon HK 990 offers not only an internal DAC, but also room correction and a digital domain x-over for one or two subwoofers. It also features a robust 150wpc power amp section - based on the original Matti Otala Citation design. BTW, Electrocompaniet Ampliwire amps are also based on Otala principles.

If your source material is strictly digital (Tho the HK 990 does include a phono amp, it's clearly optimized for digital sources) and you use subwoofers, this thing offers some really unique functionality.

Anywhere between $1500 to $2000 new.

I'd go with an integrated and outboard DAC, but that's just me. Good amplification typically outlasts sources (except turntables IMO).

If I needed an integrated with built in DAC, I'd look at the Bryston B100 and Naim SuperNait. I think the new SuperUniti (or something like that) also has a DAC in it. However, those are my presentation preferences. No idea what sonic presentation tickles your fancy. While the Peachtree stuff sounds pleasant, I've never had any desire to live with it. I haven't heard their new high end stuff though.

Nad M2 is worth adding to your shortlist

In your budget I would be curious to try the Core Audio Technology level 2 all in one machine. It will have everything you need except speakers, supposedly makes cable choices and power conditioning irrelevant (I'm skeptical here) and goes for around $4k with a 30 day guarantee.

I'm waiting for a local buddy to get one so I can demo without popping down the cash. It seems to have a lotf promise.