best ? ss integrated for Dynaudio Contour 1.3SE

Update :

I bought a (used) BelCanto eVo2i integrated along with an Arcam FMJ-cd23 and I am in audio bliss. Now I know what they mean when they talk about 'transparency' and 'uncolored' and all those seemingly abstract terms. What a wonderful experience listening to the actual music and not the strain / limitations of lesser components. Clear. Clean. WOW ! Perhaps a little tweaking with cables..... really, that's it. No, really. Was I just now crossing my fingers ? Well, not intentionally, anyway.

Thanks to all of you for your valuable advice and feedback.

I have obtained a goal I've had for more than 10 years ! Now I can listen to those classical cd's without wincing. What a difference ! Ah-h-h-h-h ...... the music !

Go ARCAM A-85 for your budget. My conclusion after trying out just so many integrateds out there.

They sold hundreds of the ARCAM A-85, yet they remain somewhat scarce. And to my surprise, THERE ARE TWO OF THEM FOR SALE NOW ON A'GON ! ( It took me months to find mine). I have gone tubesville since, but let me tell you, the A-85 is an amazing integrated for the money, and probably the best Arcam has done so far, beating the A-90 and the much pricier A32 in my humble opinion. The A-90 is not a bettered version, it has a different sonic signature, dry and less involving, like the A32. The A85 is detailled yet warm at the same time. Check the Reviewers Choice Award form Soundstage. OK so it's a bit dated, but the sound described is still the same.

If you can find one, go contrary to all usual buying logic. Buy it first ! then listen to it ! If you don't like it, you will sell it in a jiffy. Along the way however, you will have a lot of fun ''tuning in '' your sound with the smart microprocessor tone controls. Very powerfull too, and subjectively more transparent than a Moon I-5 for less money (no big feat I admit). You may even put off getting that new interconnect by getting some extra zip with a couple of notches to the left or right of the tone control...For under a grand, I cannot think of a better buy in a solid state machine.

I heve combined it with the Arcam FMJ A 32, for me it is the perfect match.