DK Design VS.1 Ref. mk II ,& a good matching CD.

Bob,

Prepare yourself for an onslought of mean and possibly nasty comments. That amp has been bashed here numerous times and the thread usually gets taken off within a week.

The reason that people give it heck is because of the way it has been marketed. It is everywhere and kind of considered a flavor of the month amp.

The good news is that in reality it is not a bad amp. I have listened to it and there is nothing wrong with it. Can you get a better integrated for 3K? Yes. But that can be said for about 95% of the integrateds out there that retail for 3K.

As for a good CDP you could look at one of the top Denon DVD players or one of the Sony ES players. Opera players are likely available from the same dealer that you got the DK from. They are good players too. Try to audition before you buy. A lot can be said for "synergy."

Wheather or not your DK has enough juice is dictated by your speakers, listening habits, and room size. Chances are that it does have enough gutts though.

Good luck!

Mumum,
I like the YBA integraeds very much. As with all things YBA, the specs are cryptic at best (much like the specs for the DK). Their attitude is "Listen to our amplifier, and love it. Now stop asking questions." Their Passion 100 is a big bang for the buck in that price range.
It may be worth looking at the Magnum Dynalab receiver. It has been available for a little while now and in spite of the fact that it got a rave review in Stereophile this month it should prove to be a decent receiver (though I have yet to hear one).
Some of the Audio Research integrateds can be had in that price range as well.
NAD has a new line of electronics that looks promising (replacement for the Silver Series). The integrated is jam packed with useful features that may or may not be of interest to you.

As with all of this stuff it is wise to audition at home with your equipment. Sometimes logical combinations sound really bad.

Good luck!