I’d have to say that for me (I’ve been an audiophile since the mid-1960s) it has been the Yamaha A-S801BL unit that I’m currently using. I especially like the chassis layout, the single subwoofer out jack and the access to the internal DAC features that let me hookup a Sony UBP-X800M2 Blu-Ray player that does not have an internal DAC and play SACD discs, and FLAC files that I can stream off my home network. If plays back nicely through a pair of KEF Q750 towers. The overall sound is sweet and accurate. Fell in love with Yamaha when I was a live audio mix engineer for several bands and started using the Yamaha PM-1000 console at live gigs. It blew the doors off my old Soundcraft Limited Edition 24x4 console.
Best Integrated that you've heard under $5k
It's a crowded market in the under $5k arena...
Let's hear which integrated amp surprised you and maybe even had you shaking your head in disbelief.
Watch the first response be, 'no $5k integrated is that good' blah blah blah. You know how it is, lot of old fogeys on here that are done censoring themselves and take it out on the thread.
Also, if I've missed the cutoff and there's just this $6k or $7k amp that is worth consideration, feel free to mention.
Let's hear which integrated amp surprised you and maybe even had you shaking your head in disbelief.
Watch the first response be, 'no $5k integrated is that good' blah blah blah. You know how it is, lot of old fogeys on here that are done censoring themselves and take it out on the thread.
Also, if I've missed the cutoff and there's just this $6k or $7k amp that is worth consideration, feel free to mention.