Integrateds: $3K, $4.5K or $5K

Thanks for the comments.

I had the same question about the McIntosh, as have several others who've noted it in various threads. I contacted McIntosh directly and the representative (Chuck Hinton) stated the MA5200 would have no problem driving a 4 ohm load.

I like the M/F, but there's no headphone output! I don't understand why on as good a piece as this. Not that I listen through headphones often, but I'd like to have the option and not have to purchase a separate headphone amp.

This is one of the main things holding me back.

Also, both the MAC (digital, optical and USB) and the M/F (USB only) have integrated DACs. Since I'll be using an outboard DAC (Arcam irDAC) I don't want to feel I'm paying for a DAC. On the Bryston you can add a DAC as an optional for additional cost.

Good call. I have always like HK gear.

All,
Great suggestions and much appreciated.
I'm trying to keep it simple with this system, going with an integrated and not considering tubed gear.
Some of the speakers I'm beginning to consider are a little inefficient and I may need 200 wpc, which raises the attraction of the Musical Fidelity and limits other options.
Davidantonio - good suggestion on the McIntosh MA6000 at 200 wpc vs the MA5200 at 100 wpc, but a wimpy consideration of mine is to try to keep the weight of the amp something at which I can move around by myself easily, and the 75 lb 6600 (vs 38 lbs for the MA5200) is pushing that limit. But if I do need 200 wpc (and decide to start working out and build up the strength :-) the 6600 would be a candidate. Just wondering why you went with the 6600 and not the 6700 receiver for another $500? You may not use the tuner much, and I probably wouldn't either, but the additional money seems worth it for nothing other than the potential resale value.

Thanks for the excellent advice coming through. Some of the recommendations are hard to find in my area, so that's a limiting factor, but all comments are much appreciated.
As one post noted, it may make most sense to first settle on the speakers and go from there. The only ussue with that is choosing speakers as I hear them through electronics that I most likely will not have, so it's kind of a catch 22, but I guess you have to establish a given at some point and I think speakers are the most variable component in the chain.

Thanks for the recommendations on the Hegel and Ayre. The Ayre AX5 looks great but at $10k is out of my price range.
I'm looking into the Hegel H300, but may be hard to find a dealer in my area.
I've also arranged to home audition the Musical Fidelity m6500i (500 wpc, $7K)
Would appreciate any comments, comparison to the Hegel.