Advice on a nice integrated is needed

I prefer integrateds for my use. You can get a fantastic integrated in the price range you are considering. If it were me, I'd include the Accuphase E-450 or E-550, Luxman integrateds, JRDG Continuum 500, and ASR Emitter. Denjo at Audiocircle went through a year long odyssey trying out integrateds and ended up with the E-450.

Frankpiet, contact member Guidocorona for comments on the JRDG 500. Since the Accuphase E-550 sounded boring and sterile to you, I'd think something was wrong in that setup. (maybe the amp/speaker match or source) I'd also add the relatively new to the market Esoteric A100 to my audition list as well. Let us know about your decision.

I've reviewed both the Plinius and a Luxman. No contest. Luxman. Unless you like an ultrabright, detailed, etched, solid state sound. And you'd better have lots of current avialable in your room. It is starved for current. If that sounds like you, then go for the Plinius.
Jimaxp (Threads | Answers)

Ditto Heyanming, I never read a similar description of the Plinius 9200 like that ever.

Jimaxp, I've owned the Plinius 9200 and your description is nothing like I ever heard. The Plinius was smooth with nice highs, and not typical of many solid state designs. It just goes to prove the point that from system to system, the cables, speakers, room, ancillary gear and quality of power can drastically alter the performance of any high end gear.