Hmmm. First question I would have asked-
1. What are you listening to now?
2. Do you like that type of sound?
I have found that even if you go to Best Buy and A/B cheap receivers against each other. ( easy to do with their cheap wired all together demo system ) you will notice differences in sound, Some with better midrange, some with better bass, some so bright they make my ears bleed, and some just blah. But still each receiver brand has a signature.
So if you lean toward a warm sound, then that sends you in a certain direction with tubes. EL34-6L6-5881 more warm with euphoric midrange. KT88 a bit warm with more bass. 6550 I find the cooler of the any mentioned here but with good bass.
Some of what folks have mentioned here are not even integrated. Also some mentioned intergrateds are well over $1000 used. People get carried away and want to mention their favorite and forget the question. In your price range, you will be limited with your choices. If your lucky, used CJ, Primaluna, Cayin, Sophia ,Consonance, Jolida or some off Chinese brands. New, you might try Jolida.
1. What are you listening to now?
2. Do you like that type of sound?
I have found that even if you go to Best Buy and A/B cheap receivers against each other. ( easy to do with their cheap wired all together demo system ) you will notice differences in sound, Some with better midrange, some with better bass, some so bright they make my ears bleed, and some just blah. But still each receiver brand has a signature.
So if you lean toward a warm sound, then that sends you in a certain direction with tubes. EL34-6L6-5881 more warm with euphoric midrange. KT88 a bit warm with more bass. 6550 I find the cooler of the any mentioned here but with good bass.
Some of what folks have mentioned here are not even integrated. Also some mentioned intergrateds are well over $1000 used. People get carried away and want to mention their favorite and forget the question. In your price range, you will be limited with your choices. If your lucky, used CJ, Primaluna, Cayin, Sophia ,Consonance, Jolida or some off Chinese brands. New, you might try Jolida.