Best Integrated, period.

Sansui G9000

The McIntosh MA 8000 was named the best amplifier in the HI-FI World 2014 awards. Anyone heard this 300 wt 100 lb beast?

Kclone-The Mac-7000 had mixed reviews, how much better can the MA 8000 be? FWIW I never heard a Mac integrated I wanted. Trilogy Audio Systems(UK based/made)has released the 925(hybrid). Appears to have unlimited/unknown potential and at around $13k(retail)it's not out of reach for many of us.

You did not mention tubes or SS so I will mention the Rogue Cronus Magnum KT100 tubes. Puts out 100 preside,has ample inputs, dual outs for bi-amping or headphone amp if you wish. I owned one for about 2 years. It was trouble free well built, versatile and sounded great. Drove my Van Sweikert VR5 very nicely. I decided to go back to separates from the original thought of simplifying to an integrated.

Luxman L-590ax. 30 watts of pure Class A power.

I haven't listened to every integrated available and honesty submit nothing can be considered the absolute best. What I can say is the Jeff Rowland Continuum S2 is one of the best components that I've ever had in my system. The Bricasti M1 DAC and Artemis EOS speakers are the only other components that made me just say "WOW". The S2 is powerful, nuanced, and very well made.

With the correct system synergy a Rowland integrated is tough to beat if your goal is the best price/performance ratio.

LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD LFD!
And this includes many of the cost no object separates that I have, and have had over the many years I've been involved in this wonderful hobby. As far as integrateds goes. Nobody is even close.

The best separates are going to be superior to the best integrated.

07-12-15: Runnin
The best separates are going to be superior to the best integrated

+ 1. As much as I love my current Vitus SIA-025 which I consider to be the most musical sounding ss class A integrated, I plan on upgrading to Vitus separates in the near future.

I also own the Vitus sia-025. Have no desire to go back to separates. Been there done that. Now just listen. Which is the whole point.
I'm just sayin ✌️

How do you buy a Vitus sia-025 or anything from them quite frankly? I went to their website and there is no US distributor or dealer.
I also have a pet peeve with companies that don't list the price. I understand they are expensive, but it would be nice to know the price I wanted to buy one at some point. Do they keep it a secret so they can charge different people different prices. If is ridiculously expensive those who can't afford it, can't afford it. Secret or no secret.

Mechans, I understand your frustration. Vitus at present have a smaller footprint in the US compared to Europe, Asia & Australia. Fyi, here is a link to their current US Dealers, although I believe USA Tube Audio in Arazona now also carry Vitus Audio. Re: publishing pricing. It is common for high end manufacturers not to publish prices on their website. Gryphon, Soulution, Dartzeel, Goldmund and Pass Labs are all the same. That is due to the exclusive nature of the products and sensitivities around Distribution contracts in different territories. Dartzeel publish their sales policy on their website which states that msrp prices in each country in the Distribution network are determined after taking into account freight and logistics costs, as well as the various taxes applicable in the country concerned. You can find a full Vitus price list here in Euro dollars. But yes, in the end if that gear is out of your reach, there are many other worthy contenders out there. Disclaimer: I have no relationship to Vitus Audio or any other high end manufacturer. Just a passionate audiophile. Hope that helps.

07-21-15: Whatthe
I also own the Vitus sia-025. Have no desire to go back to separates. Been there done that. Now just listen. Which is the whole point.
I'm just sayin ✌️

I hear whatthe you're saying bro. I've kind of been there and done that with integrated amps having owned 4, so for me it's time to evolve into separates. The SIA-025 has a good linestage derived from the SL-102, though of course the full SL-102 is a lot better. I also wanted a bit more control and power to drive my S5's which do like a bit of power, so it became an easy choice. Though the 025 is a remarkable integrated & replaced a Boulder 1060/1010 in my system.

Has anyone paired the L-550AX with Sonus Faber Olympica II's? My research thus far is pointing to the AX, with Hegel and Mac as potentials.

Jerryrocks,
No I have not, but I've used my L-550AX with a pair of ATC SCM 19's with sublime results. The ATC's are very low in sensitivity, but the Lux drives them with aplomb.

I would have thought that there would have been wider variety of integrated amps listed on this thread , but then realized that as it’s mostly American posters that much of the selection would of course be related to availability within USA or North America. Within the correct parameters of course : room volume , shape of room, reflective surfaces, quality of electrical power, and component interaction , etc, one does see a lot of choices at various price points . I wonder how this list would be changed today as more choices are available and it’s been some four years since the last post.

Didn't Absolare come out with an integrated?

Constellation makes a nice integrated:  https://www.constellationaudio.com/inspiration/integrated-10

Why isn't Ayre on your list??

D'Agostino Momentum integrated, Vitus, Gryphon Diablo 300, Soulution, CH Precision.

Musical Fidelity Nu Vista 800 
Musical Fidelity M6 500i

Are good option also.