Integrated vs. Separates on a Budget

I agree you should go for an integrated unit. The only challenge is deciding which brand to purchase because there are many good ones out there at or close to your budget.

You should list these things before any realistic recommendation! 

1. What speakers are you using?

2. What size is your room?

3. Do you want tubes or SS?

4. New or used?

5. What features do you need?

Slightly over budget, but worth the extra.

A used Parasound A21+ and a new Topping pre90 ($600) will get you to $3K. It is a very good combo. I have my A21+ for sale but I think I will trade it in to a dealer on Wednesday (USAudiomart). There are even cheaper A21+ on sale on that site.

The Topping pre90 does not work with all amps but does work great with the A21+ and Benchmark AHB2. Stereophile will review the pre90 in February, which is a bit shocking for such a low-cost item. I use the pre90 with a pair of AHB2's. It is an excellent system if you like neutrality. The A21+ is much warmer and an excellent amp for the price.

Integrated on a budget every time these days.  Check out Cambridge Evo all in one and be done.  

If you have efficient speakers ( 90+ ), check out the VINCENT HYBRID, SV 200.....(25 WPC x 8 ohms, 35 x 4). It may surprise you......definitely surprised me.

CHEERS.....

@klimt,

Maybe look at the Schiit Freya + preamp and Vidar amp. Total cost :$1700, or a Ragnarok integrated amplifier $1500.

I bought a used McIntosh Integrated amp (MA6500) in pristine condition from Audio Classics 2 years ago for $2500. It’s definitely worth checking their website periodically. 

Given the budget amount, the best sound is likely integrated. Then If you want to improve to the next level of sound quality you can add a individual component… like first preamp, the m amp, then streamer.. or something like that.., if you want to go to the next level.

Integrated here as well.   You can buy something really nice used for that budget 

Take a serious look at the Quicksilver Integrated as well as the Belles Aria Integrated.

Bel Canto C5i also, can be had for cheap as the new 6i is out.

I Robot.

Thanks guys!

Any more recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Klimt

No question - Integrated at that budget.  Take a look at Raven Audio.

Belles Aria preamp and amp $3500 new

Second the integrated idea. $3000.00 will get a lot better integrated than seperates,IMHO.

Integrated, after that the next step is separates but you'll need more budget for that.