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Give a listen to: Rotel RA-1062, Rega Mira or Brio, Music Hall A25.2 or the A50.2, Vincent SV-129, NAD 372, Cambridge 540a or 640a or the Creek Evo. All great sounding int. amps it just depends on what kind of sound you want to hear.
In addition to mike53's list you could listen to the Jolida JD 1501A and Marantz PM8003.
Mike has a pretty good list. I'd add Arcam integrated amps to the list too. They've always been known for their them.
Ditto Mike's list, just what I'd say too. I have had especially good experience's with Creek in the past.
How could I have forgotten Jolida, Arcam and Marantz...my brain must have been out to lunch. Another very nice sounding amp (that was reviewed here) is the Onkyo A-9555.
A thought that just crossed my mind: Are you interested in a solid state, hybrid or tube device...or does it matter? Other than Jolida, as jackfish mentioned, I'm not sure how many tube or hybrids would fall in your price range. Keep us posted.
i have an arcam A80 and P80 power amp. excellent sound, lots of rhythm and bounce like a junior naim. however, i am informed that the new arcam products are coming from china. also, new, it was more like 1500.
I have a Marantz (the now-discontinued PM7001), and they really make a great integrated amp, even in the sub-$1000 level (mine was somewhere around $500, I can't remember). The headphone output is amazing (I'm comparing this to my $1000 Woo Audio headphone amp - the Marantz at substantially less money really holds its own, I have to confess - although I still love my Woo and don't regret getting it). And it drives my speakers wonderfully. Build quality is likewise excellent.
That said, I've lusted after a Jolida for awhile, and I hear the Onkyo is really great. Another caveat - I was NOT happy with the Marantz's phono stage, but that could just be with my setup.
I must agree with the suggestion of the Onkyo A-9555. I am using one with my Marantz SA 8001, modified Rega Planar 2 as sources and the Mobile Fidelity OML 1 speakers. The amp is a great value and excellent sonics.
In addition to my main stereo system, I have a Sony 60" HDTV system in my family room.
I recently decided to upgrade the audio parts of this system and purchased the NAD 325BEE integrated from Audio Advisor for $299 (the list price is $450). It replaces a Cambridge integrated that I bought about 10 years ago for about the same price, and is much much better. The Absolute Sound chose this for their "Components of the Year" listing in 2007; it is very impressive! I also picked up a set of the KEF iQ9 speakers for $799/pair, and they are very nice (original list $1300. This system is used for TV mostly, but sometimes I play music CDs thru it when reading in the family room, and it sounds pretty good now (I use the OPPO DVD player to play the CDs; there are cables direct from the OPPO to the amplifier for music listening...).
Anyway, I think if you want to actually stay UNDER $1000, the NAD C325BEE is one of the best. The 372 has more power, of course, but I think the 325 sounds better, and will have enough power unless your speakers are unusually inefficient.
A good point regarding the 325bee. I listened to both the 372 and 325bee and preferred the 325, for the music to which I listen. Yes, if speakers are power hungry or one wants a lot of dBs go with the 372.
I have the Rotel integrated and love it, though there are some other choices. NAD, Cambridge, Creek, and Music Hall come tomind.
I Second the Jolida.
I bought a new Jolida "factory hot rodded" 102b to serve as a "backup" while my Mastersound Amp is being repaired.and man, what a great purchase. Under 1 grand taboot.
Outlaw Audio gets good reviews. Also, Harman Kardon.