Best integrated amplifier in this prince range?

[modenar1]

i live in California, and there arent many hi-end audio stores here to go check out good equipment. most stores carry the regular low to mid level stuff of brands including yamaha, onkyo, denon. but i never see any of their hi end models. i have a 10 year old onkyo system, that sounds as good as it did when i first bought it. but now i want to put a system together for my room. and since my onkyo has served me well i thought i should go with the Onkyo, I saw that they have the new hi-end stuff including the Onkyo A-9555 integrated amplifier. the price range is around $600. my system will be strictly used for audio only and in 2-channel only. for $600 can i find a better amplifier. also on the other note. i am looking into getting and integrated amp, and not go with pre amp/ and main amp route. i liked the features of the Onkyo that it has no display, so no extra current and frequency to disrupt the sound quality, also it has the pure direct function which i will use. are there any other amps to look for in this price range that will match the Onkyo.

[Knyght_byte]

hello there,

you've posted this in AV Surround amps, i'll move the thread to the Hifi Separates section for you which deals with stereo integrated amps

[audiojunkie]

Originally Posted by modenar1

i live in California, and there arent many hi-end audio stores here to go check out good equipment. most stores carry the regular low to mid level stuff of brands including yamaha, onkyo, denon. but i never see any of their hi end models. i have a 10 year old onkyo system, that sounds as good as it did when i first bought it. but now i want to put a system together for my room. and since my onkyo has served me well i thought i should go with the Onkyo, I saw that they have the new hi-end stuff including the Onkyo A-9555 integrated amplifier. the price range is around $600. my system will be strictly used for audio only and in 2-channel only. for $600 can i find a better amplifier. also on the other note. i am looking into getting and integrated amp, and not go with pre amp/ and main amp route. i liked the features of the Onkyo that it has no display, so no extra current and frequency to disrupt the sound quality, also it has the pure direct function which i will use. are there any other amps to look for in this price range that will match the Onkyo.

Hey,I live in Ca. also and had a hard time finding hi-end audio/video eq.
I found the best bet is go second hand.
Do alot recearch and demos as you can,find what YOU like and look at sites like AudioGon & VideoGon,alot of realy good deals.Going high end dosent necassarly mean better,so demo when you can.

Musical Fidelity,Arcam,Primare are a few good choices.

[harv]

If you're states based I'd have a look at AV123.com their products seem very well reviewed.

[la gran siete]

Personally i would suggest the sonic impact super t amp which is excellent
and cheap as chips too. No need to lash out hundreds of hard earned wonga

[leedswillprevai]

The NAD C352 is a superb amplifier, very refined smooth and powerful. The only drawback with the NAD amps is they are not exactly pleasing to look at but for this is unimportant.