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My first system with any ability to claim some high quality reproduction was built around a very early Denon integrated.That system proved very satisfiying for a number of years while I learned to really listen.I would think that a good integrated would be very satisfying for most entry or low budget systems.

For my first decent stereo, I bought a used NAD3020. It is responsible for my stereo addiction, when I found that better sound carried more of the emotion of the music. I think integrateds are good for people starting out, for lower budgets, or for second systems.

Integrated amps save you space, interconnects, AC power cables, etc. However, it all depends on your taste. In my case, I bought a YBA Integre DT. I am thinking I might upgrade to a YBA Integre Passion or Accuphase A-406V.

I used the(Tom Holman designed) Advent integrated amp back in the mid '70s. It was wonderful for the times, and Holman's design of that unit spurred me on to move up to the Apt Homan preamp, when it became available later on. Sweet memories . . . I wish I still had that Advent unit now.

I have a NAD 370 integrated amplifier in my current system and I am extremely satisfied with it.

I use the Music Fidelity A1000 Class a integrated amplifier -- it's the smoothest amp in the world.

My first system was purchased used and was based on a RadioShack integrated amp. As soon as I got out of school and went to work, I upgraded to an Acoustic Reaserch system using their 60w integrated amp. Along with an AR turntable and AR 3a speakers, I had a system I was very proud of at the time. I feel like I have been trying to recapture some of the magic that I had then ever since.

Not an "audiophile," but I DO love music. Have owned separates, but have more often, including now, lived happily with an integrated. I enjoy my Classe integrated.

I have been in small apartments and on a very tight budget while my wife finished her degree. With a pre-amp/amp out of the question my choices were either an integrated or a home theater reciever. My NAD 314 sounds as good or better than the majority of the recievers on the market when it comes to music, and was far cheaper since it left out the useless to me home theater features. It also has a tolerable phono section.

The Music Fidelity M3 is a killer. Best deal under 10k.

I currently have a Mark Levinson 383 Integrated powering Revel Studios. For the volume I listen to my music and the size of listening room, it works pretty well. I figure I save a little by not having to purchase good interconnects. Again, factoring in the low volumes and the room size, I don't feel like I'm missing much at all.

I have used a NAD 3020 since 1977. Numerous more expensive gear has come and gone but the 3020 still continues to amaze.

for my purposes, great value. i've been through interconnects and pre-power combinations to fill-up a container, yet will not get through the thought of "is everything optimised?".

NAD S-300 kicks ass

Looking at Krell and Levinson

It performs admirably, and I still have money left over for computers-my other addiction

In the past, yes. But now I'm using an Arcam 8SE Intergrated with an 8P power amp to bi-amp a pair of Mission 752 Freedoms. So I'm using the integrated as a pre-amp and a power amp at the same time. I don't think there would be much of an improvement if I was to use a dedicated pre amp and two power amps instead.

Its the only way to keep the bedroom system manageable

The Mark Levinson 383 Integrated Amp that I am using sounded no different from the Levinson 334 amp + Levinson 380 preamp.

Not a bad set of comprises at lower power ratings

Tact Millenium MK II which includes also a DAC Many people say it's the best amp on the planet at least for CD playback

no gain in sound quality by using separates, only loss on bank account.

When cost is an important issue (maybe the single most important one) you have to start with a (usually cheap) integrated. Otherwise, I would not have considered ever buying one.

Cuts out one set of interconnects!

With the very high quality IA's from Creek, Rega, Cambridge, NAD, etc, why not? Quite a bang for the buck. I had some older ones (20 years ago) from Marantz, Sansui, and Sony that sounded pretty good. It is easy now to approach and exceed 100 per side, and if your not into FM it makes great sense. There as also some very nice, affordable tube IA's out. There are very discernable sonic signatures in this market, so listen carefully. Do not buy on watts and features alone. Spend your unused tuner money on a good catridge for your turntable and you will be quite happy. Besides, XM and Cirrus satellite radio is coming by the end of the year. That is a move to consider. Although I do listen to FM, I think I dislike multi-path distortion about as much as I dislike Napster.

Had an Onkyo A-7 about 20 years ago, great power amp section, and the preamp was pretty good too. Bought it for $300, used it for 10 years, and sold it for $300. Gotta like those deals. None of the later generation Onkyo's sounded as good. Integrateds are fine but don't have the slam and finesse of better separates. It does save the cost of a good interconnect though.

I don't need radio, so why not put the money toward better amplification?

saved space

With a decent preamp, and a demo or slightly used power amp, you can do fairly well, especially on a budget. Plus, two boxes are always more impressive than one!

My music room is small (4x3 metres), and so there's no need for a big pair of speakers and a big pre/power system. A good integrated is enough to drive a good pair of "small" speakers. I'm using a "venerable" Audiolab 8000A with B&W Matrix 805V with good results. I just need to leave the amp turned on for about an hour before listening. Otherwise, there will be too much treble. It's not the perfect combination (I'm planing to change the amp) but it's very good.