Best Budget Integrated Hands down

I have listened to the Bryston, the Audio Analogue, and the Audio Refinement Complete in my system at one time or another. All are decent enough amps. The Plinius and Classe are very good but kinda in opposite directions.
Of the 3 above I have actually lived with, I will go with the other one I used, the Creek 5350se. It just sounds more refined. The only caveat is it comes with a passive preamp with increased gain in the power amp section. Source components need to be matched somewhat for voltage compatibility. Unless it is a really low voltage source, everything is fine. You can also purchase a gain board for the amp that allows for about 7db more gain but I think it detracts from the pristine sound and imparts a little coloration. The Creek was a Stereophile "Class A" component, a status it deserves IMO.
Going to have to do your homework. All are pretty good little amps.

Certain amps are better for certain speakers than others. They have an almost symbiotic relationship. I'm unfamiliar with the sound of some of those units, I must admit, but if you could tell us what speakers you were considering--or, already have--perhaps more qualified individuals could give you more specific recommendations. They might be able to tell you what is best "hands down"--for you.

Thank you guys for the help. The system as of now that will go with one of these amps is a room about 25x30 and includes
GMA Europa Speakers (89db sensitivity)
Analysis Plus Cables and ic's
with a phillips 963sa cd/dvdp
The weak link for redbook cd's is the phillips but i have a Njoe Tjoeb 4000 in the other room. I really need to just figure out what amp to use.

I'm looking at similar integrated amps. I have GMA Europa speakers, Audio Magic speaker cables, a modified Sony SACD player, and Audio Dynamic Cryo 3 interconnects.

I'm following this thread. Suggestions appreciated. I'm also considering the Jolida 1501 HD, and possibly the Dynaco SCH(?) 35 for an inexpensive amp. I'm currently using an old NAD 7400 series receiver.

I've owned the Bryston B-60R and a Plinius 8200 mkI as well as Arcam Alpha 9 and Alpha 10, Anthem Integrated 1 and Integrated 2. Currently I'm using a Cayin TA-30 tube integrated. If you can get away with 35 watt/channel of tube amplification, the Cayin is really good.

I don't know that it is "better" than the others that I owned in the past, but I do know that I'm enjoying it more. It is "really good" and can be bought for as little as $499 brand new.

Personnally, I don't understand the overly-enthusiastic reviews given to the Bryston B-60. I also wasn't thrilled with the Arcam Alpha 9 or the Anthem Integrated 1. I did enjoy my time with the Plinius 8200, I liked the Anthem Integrated 2 and I thought the Arcam Alpha 10 was great for the price I paid.

But my $499 Cayin TA-30 really makes me smile!!!!

Disclaimer: My System, My Room, My Ears....YMMV!!!!!!

Enjoy,

TIC