Best bargain integrated amp?

Onkyo tx-lr552. It's a 6.1 digital discreet for only $200 on the web. Sounds smooth like an upscale piece.

I second the nomination for Naim Nait 5i. There are so many nice integrateds out these days, from budget to high-end, I doubt any one can claim to have compared them all. But I've sampled enough to say the Nait is very fine, punches above its weight, and stands up well to far more expensive kit.
I've had mine for about 6 months. It continues to please and even surprise. It offers such a good balance across the range of musical attributes that you tend to just enjoy without missing any 'ultimates' that may available higher up the food chain, so to speak.
The music comes through free of any tendency to harshness or undue brightness, with good pace, rhythm and a slight warmth or richness without loss of clarity.

Some limits on versatility though, in terms of adaptibility to headphones for example.

You may be able to stretch your budget just a little for a used one, or perhaps the previous model Nait 5 may serve.

You may get a brand new one from kellsieavdesign.com within your budget. One of the best integrated.

ASL AQ1001DT for about $1,500 will give you a tube integrated that has the lush qualities of tubes, but will also give you a lot of the positive attributes of solid state.

If you want solid state I agree with above Naim Nait 5i received great reviews in "the absolute sound". I beleive they compared it to the best integrateds no matter what price.

Densen Beat 100

For the money it's hard to beat ....