This is a personal choice, and very dependent on your speakers. Recently for my second system, I went through the same process. I was able to compare in my home Audio Analogue Pucini SE, Audio Refinement, Accuphase e241, Electrocompaniet Eci-3, and a NAD C-340. I bought the Eci-3, because was the best sonic match. It also had a remote which the Pucini didn't. The aditional feature of balance inputs and outputs became icing on the cake to rationalize the extra $ as an emergency line stage for a failure in my main system. By the way the NAD was the best $/sound value this side of used Dyna or DIY tube gear, let alone the very convient remote feature. If you're interested in the Eci-3, I would recommend John Barnes (Audio Unlimited 303-691-3407) as someone that has given me out of state great service for years. He honest and knowns his stuff. cheers, Gerrym5
