Looking for a very good integrated solid state amp

Thanks to everyone, I really appreciate the great feedback

I highly recommend you check out the Harman Kardon HK990
integrated. Fantastic!

I love the Rega you are using but, if it's not good enough for you, try
Naim or Exposure.

01-07-13: Zd542
Can you define some of the extra stuff? The Ayre has a passive line stage. Not only that, Its a fully balanced, 0 feedback design. No offence, but I highly doubt that you have any experience with this amp.

Not exactly in relation to the Ayre, though Airegin's experience mirrored some of mine's as well. Features such as Home Theater bypass, preouts for subwoofer or power amp connections etc. In other words, all the fancy bells and whistles. All these additional features may bring more detrimental effects when compared to an amp that has more simple circuitry, more purity in the signal path. Not always the case but usually true.

Edited around your stated budget from my response to your other thread..

I could think of a few different compact sized integrateds to recommend within your budget -

- Musical Fidelity M6i, $2999
- Unison Unico Secondo hybrid integrated, $3150
- Bladelius Tyr Mk2, $3699
- Hegel H200, $4400

Of the above, the most musical sounding would be the Unison, whilst the Hegel is the pick of the bunch overall & would be the better option if you think you may need more power in future. It's also worth talking to your local Hegel dealer as they may be able to get you a killer deal on the top range H300 which has been getting great reviews. Here is a review by Goodsound magazine fyi which btw compares the MF M6 500i - http://www.goodsound.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/409-hegel-music-systems-h300-integrated-amplifier