solid state integrateds that will hold their value

The integrated that will hold its value best is the one you like to listen to.

That said, I think you will definitely need to listen to the Rowland before you buy one. I have a 112 which is the amp section of the Concentra II (at least that is what Rowland told me). I does some things really well, but I don't use it that much because the imaging sucks. I wish I had a better word for it, but sucks is the most accurate. No depth whatsoever. Like me, you may say its no big deal. There are other qualities that are more important to me. But its one of those things, that when you actually hear it (or in this case, not hear it), its stunning.

"09-06-14: Lindisfarne
I hope you're kidding because, generally, as soon as you drive new gear "off the lot" you can count on a 35-50% haircut. And, said discount applies as early as the day after you buy it. I have been selling on this site for over a decade and always buy new gear that I sell for, at best, 65% of the price I paid and that is even if it's been in my house for a week."

You have to expect stuff like that. On most products, the warranty doesn't transfer. And when people buy used, on sites like this, there's always an element of risk, as opposed to meeting someone in person to trade gear. That's why its called used equipment. The market adjusts for all those factors. As far as getting what you want when you sell, the prices can vary greatly. For example, companies like B&W and Rotel are extremely against selling their products in anything other than a B&M store. Because of that, it makes the brand less accessible to customers, and the price you get used is usually above average. If you take factors like that into consideration before you buy, you should do much better on resale.

"09-10-14: Melbguy1
Atmasphere, unless you're talking about niche brands like Audio Note and Kondo, I can't agree with your statement. For a range of reasons SS integrated amps are deemed more reliable, and therefore a lower risk
proposition."

Atmasphere is right. Generally speaking, used tube gear holds its value better than solid state. Many audiophiles want tubes and won't settle for anything else.

There's one point I think you're missing here. Audiophiles are not your average people. They usually know what they are getting into before they buy. The risks are usually well known and they're OK with them. If you check out how much tube and ss gear actually sells for on sites like this and ebay, you'll probably change your mind.

"Speaking for myself as an audiophile with 24 years experience, I can tell you I bought all my current gear eyes wide open."

And your wallet, I bet.

"09-14-14: Nonoise
Based on the OP's criteria, there are many wonderful sounding rigs that'll fly under the radar but if the cover of the book is paramount, then so be it."

True, but the OP may want to change his strategy to picking an amp that he likes the sound of. Most likely, that will eliminate the need to treat his amp like a used car.