Lots of good options out there.
As much as I like their amps, I think McIntosh are over priced and capitalize on legacy reputation and aesthetics. But if $ is no (significant) object, then I may have them in my system too.
While not inexpensive, I have grown very fond of Plinius products … so much that I repurchased an 8200MkII integrated and sent off to be completely refreshed. This one in particular seems to combine the strengths of tubes and SS while mitigating each ones downsides. This one will never leave again. And well within your budget. Also a used Hautonga would fit. I think the sound is just a bit more clinical than the 8200, but offers the convenience of more remote control functions.
As much as I like their amps, I think McIntosh are over priced and capitalize on legacy reputation and aesthetics. But if $ is no (significant) object, then I may have them in my system too.
While not inexpensive, I have grown very fond of Plinius products … so much that I repurchased an 8200MkII integrated and sent off to be completely refreshed. This one in particular seems to combine the strengths of tubes and SS while mitigating each ones downsides. This one will never leave again. And well within your budget. Also a used Hautonga would fit. I think the sound is just a bit more clinical than the 8200, but offers the convenience of more remote control functions.