Sub- 700 New/used Integrated Amps-Recos?

Audio Refinement Complete. And no, not because I have one for sale but because I think it sounds damned good for the money and fits in your budget.

Oh, there are low-cost outboard phono stages from Rotel, Creek, or NAD to meet your vinyl needs...

Sonic FRontiers produces an integrated amp under the Anthem name that might be of interest. It does not have a phono stage but does combine a solid state amplifier with a tube preamp that We felt outperformed our combo of a Adcom GFA-555 and Anthem Pre-2l tube pre-amp. We used one in our system until power needs surpassed the integrated's limit (90 watts @ 8, 145 watts @ 4). I realize that with a retail of $1800 you may not have considered it, but We have one for sale and would be willing to sell for very close to your budget. (You can find a review of the Anthem Int 2 at www.soundstage.com under the Archives link) Email if interested. Best of Luck
Curt and Emily

bryston B60 can be had with phono stage

TAS does 3 intergrateds in the latest issue/ worth reading 4U.

The Bryston, Anthem Int 2 and Audio Refinement Complete all are a little outside my price range, more like $800-900, plus phono stage. However, reading the reviews (both pro and consumer) seem to indicate they are worth it. I guess I'll just have to wait a few months 'til I can scrape up the cash for the difference.

Amongst consumer reviewists at Audioreview.com who actually listened to a large selection of amps in this price range, they seemed to split pretty evenly between the B-60 and the Complete. Since I would like to have a low-maintenence system (no tubes) that pretty much narrows my choices. Thanks for the input.

jah