suggestions for used class A integrated under $2k

I often wonder what comprimises you must make to have an integrated at any price level vs. seperates.

I think you can find comprimises on either side of the fence w/this debate.

the big one that I see is you are "trapped" in a system you cant tweak outside of cables. Where as, you can always get new pres, or a new amp when you go with seperates.

Overall, I think you can get higher caliber equipment for less money with an integrated...but that is just my completely uneducated opinion pulled from the deep reaches of my arse.

For me, its all about two things.
less cables and the biggie, REMOTE!!
:)

Sugden A21

Plinius. A friend had one, a great performer, especially for the price.

Since everyone is pushing SS, I'll give you some tube suggestions: I'd look at the Audiomat Arpege if your speakers are efficient enough to handle tubes (90db+ - I'm pretty sure those VR2's are efficient aren't they?). Also the Pathos got an all-out, no-holds-barred highest reccomendation from Stereophile recently if that kind of recommendation floats your boat. Certainly may be worth listening too. Jolida's 502B would save you some $ and be a very satisfying choice IMO. As you can guess, I prefer tubes over SS. I would strongly suggest you go out and listen to some well put-together systems using both technologies before making any decisions simply based upon reccommendations of others, and by all means audition both in your own system. The "plenty of punch" part may lead me to say SS, but your musical preferences would speak to tubes big time IMO. Go listen to both. Push/pull tube amps should give you the punch you're after with those listening preferences. The differences in the sound of an SS and a tube system, given both are thoughfully assembled, are worth hearing with your own ears to form your own opinion.....they are quite different. If you are used to a good tube sound, the SS may offer a bit of contrast. Whether you like it or not is up to you.

Marco