Requesting opinions about 4 specific amplifiers

@grislybutter -This is helpful, thank you. I found an 860A V1 on Audiomart for $5K which is a possibility in my price range.

@soix -I'd love to pinpoint sonic improvement characteristics desired, but it's hard to be aware of what is possible without more experience.

I feel like this Luxman integrated provides good imaging, but is better possible? It sounds very detailed, and maybe slightly more analytic or cool than my last integrated-the Hegel H390. Maybe I am looking for a bit more midrange warmth? Another reason to consider separates in a tube preamp.

Again, I am looking to this community for suggestions of what might be possible. If the Luxman is the final word in pairing with these Dynaudio's, that would be nice to learn as well. 

@mike_in_nc -Good to know. My listening space is in a basement, so a bit of a break there with the temps.

@imhififan -Thank you, great to heat this! I can be happy staying with the Luxman too if it's one of the best choices to make. It's a beautiful integrated!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to share your opinions and experiences! I do not post often, but have tried to learn much for the community here in the relatively short amount of time I've enjoyed this hobby.

@soix-Yes! You said it well-thank you. I guess it's a bit hard for me to put into words what I am hoping to hear. At my local shop, Music for Pleasure, here in St. Louis the Dynaudio Confidence 20s sounds "magical." They were using high priced Simaudio gear that I can not afford. So trying to reclaim as much of that emotional  experience with gear I can afford. Thank you for the recommendations!

@erik_squires-Thank you for the encouragement. Actually many of your posts helped me land eventually on the L-509X. It's been a journey, and I've enjoyed learning along the way. If I can get to a point that I can purchase Ayre I'd love to try it. Everything I've learned about their approach to sound lines up with what seems best from an engineering perspective IMO.

@mickeyb-Thank you for the encouragement to consider Simaudio. I have been concerned maybe Simaudio is a brand that dealers sell because of a large markup rather than it actually being great gear. Their prices just seem high to me compared to other brands. Glad to learn you feel it is a positive match outside of a dealership.

@ghdprentice-Thank you for this input about Pass Labs, this lines up with what other have shared with me.

Interesting no one has commented about he PS Audio BHK stereo 250. On paper this appears to have many positive attributes. I've only owned a couple of PS Audio items so far, a power conditioner and the Stellar Phono Preamp. I did not keep the phono preamp. It was fine, but I'd describe it as neutral, and maybe slightly bland compared to the Hegel V10 or Manley Labs Chinook. Are their amps kind of the same? Fine, but not great? Just wondering...

@missioncoonery-Thank you for this insight. I failed to mention I have one JL Audio sub in place and agree it is helpful.

@gramophone_canada-Thank you for this suggestion. I was unaware of Audia Flight out of Italy. Beautiful looking gear. I appreciate learning about new companies to me in this hobby-thank you!

@chocaholic-Yes, this is another decision to make. I am considering a tube preamp, maybe a AR LS28, or VAC Renaissance Mark V. I prefer balanced inputs, but really appreciate what I have learned about Backert Labs as well. If an Aesthetix Calypso would appear in my price range that would be near the top of my wish list too. Your handle here on Audiogon is awesome!

Thank you all again for sharing your experiences so generously!

@mgw-This is helpful, thank you. Is your Simaudio 700i the V1 or V2 version? 

@audiotroy ​​​​@mm1tt77-Thank you this good info about Coda. I think I am going to separates but the CSiB seems impressive.

@lalitk-Great to learn about Accuphase, thank you. I was unaware they would sound warmer than Luxman. They appear very similar in appearance and in specs. I think a preowned Accuphase may be within my budget. Good to know-thanks.

@yyzsantabarbara-Great intel-thank you! The Coda No. 16 looks like a beast! Beyond my budget, but wow what an amazing looking amp. Happy listening!

@mgw-Thank you for this follow up!

@12many-I agree, it is quite a deal. I hope you really enjoy the amp!

Thank you all so much for your generous insight and ideas!

@fastfreight-Thank you for this suggestion, I have not learned about this brand of audio gear yet. Always fun to learn about something new!

@larryh111-If I could afford darTZeel I would sure consider it. I've never seen one of their integrates close to my budget range though...but it sure is very cool looking!

@avanti1960-Great to learn the new McIntosh gear sounds good. I kind of feel like you have to go in all the way with McIntosh if you go with any of it. Unfortunately the look and feel is not my preference, but thank you.

@audioman58-Aesthetix is definitely a brand I have my eyes on, but again their gear typically exceeds my budget. But very impressive. 

It's especially helpful to learn of fairly consistent feedback about PS Audio, Parasound, Simaudio, and Pass Labs. I think I'll eliminate Parasound and PS Audio from the search (although I do own a Parasound JC3+ phono preamp). I think maybe a combo of AR preamp and Pass Labs amp is at the forefront of my search at this stage.

Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend!

A bit of a delayed follow up to my original post...

Thank you all for your kindness and generosity to share your experiences and insight!

Sometimes things take a different route than anticipated. I was offered a generous trade-in opportunity for the Luxman L-509X from Dedicated Audio toward the purchase of a new, factory sealed, Hegel H600 integrated amp. This is Hegel's new top-of-the-line reference integrated amp. It pairs with my Dynaudio Confidence speakers really well.

I have been enjoying many albums for a couple of weeks now through it, and am very impressed. It is also allowing me to simplify my system a bit and sell my streamer and DAC due to it's outstanding built-in capabilities. 

So for now, I am sticking with an integrated amp.

So many choices and opportunities with this hobby, it's fun to try new things.

Thanks everyone!