Best Integrated that you've heard under $5k

I have a soft spot for good integrated amps, and, while the list is short compared to many audiophiles, I have enjoyed a few good ones over the years.

The list includes:

PASS Aleph (many years ago)
Bryston 4B (ditto)
Jeff Rowland Concentra I (loved it; >$5k, but I bought it used)
re-capped Accuphase e-303x (fabulous for a vintage amp)
HEGEL h190 (hard to fault)

Which leads to my answer to the OP’s question: the GATO AMP-150

This Danish-designed amp is largely under-the-radar in the U.S., but fairly well-known and received by audiophiles in Europe. The unusual aesthetics are somewhat polarizing – some love it, others, not so much. But I find the sound produced to be exceptionally good. It is very neutral/accurate, but with a touch of warmth, which I happen to like.

I used the GATO, HEGEL and Accuphase with my current Harbeth 30.1

The topology is interesting, and worth reading about (or watch the reviews below).

FWIW, but Steve Guttenberg and John Darko loved the amp, and have dedicated episodes to it. Darko compared it both directly and favorably to the more expensive Hegel H390.

You don’t need to spend anywhere near that kind of money. 

My system is 100k plus. I have had many amps over the years, high end and others, and spent a lot of money on this wonderful hobby. 

Ultimately, it will come down to three main variables:

1. the speakers you are using (including the space they are operating in). I regard this as one consideration;
2. your budget;
3. music you listen to.

As a general proposition, the Willsenton R8. which is less than $900 US, plus shipping, is a wonderful amp. I can tell you that from personal experience. 

That said, it will all depend upon those three factors referred to above. 

Enjoy the hobby, as its all about enjoying the experience and not stressing over the minutia. 5k for some is a lot of money and as I said, you don’t need to spend anywhere near that kind of money. 

Regards

Hegel

To follow up on my Van Alstine issue.  This was over 20 years ago.  I had a Model 2 SS amp.  Absolutely loved the sound, it was beautiful.  Had an issue, called Van Alstine for help.  Was told that I might as well trash it.  They had no schematics (that they would share or had lost) and would not work on it.  This is not an issue with a "quality" company.  You can call McIntosh or Audio Research and many others with some of the first stuff they made and they will address it and take care of it at an expected expense.  Yes, it still bothers me and really pisses me off.  It was a wonderful sounding piece of equipment that was put out with the trash.  I do still own a very early piece of Van Alstine's, it is a Dynaco ST-70 that Frank did years and years ago, before starting his own company.  I feel okay owning this and have even had it recapped after I had a few failing.  The schematics for a ST-70 are pretty much public domain.