???What's The LEAST Expensive "End Game"Amplifier You've Ever Heard???

I wouldn't (at this point in my journey) choose and integrated amplifier for myself, I prefer a separate preamp and amplifiers; specifically a tube preamp with both tube and SS amplifiers.....at least in my main system.

The Hegel H590 (now H600) would be that choice if I had to choose. An acquaintance in my audio group owns one I get to hear on occasion, and it really is a wonderful piece of gear. I might even be able to live with the built in DAC, if not it's streamer

If I was putting together a reasonably priced system for a garage or office, I could absolutely live with a Heaven 11 Billie Amp MKII. At $2,000 it's an absolute steal, and wonderful integrated. It appears the Billie MKII is sold out, and there is an upcoming Billie MKIII coming out soon which will be modular. You can even choose your output engine, Hypex or ICEPower.....will be following that release later this year

Though not an integrated amplifier, I'd throw in the CODA S5.5. 50 WPC pure class A, and more in A/B; 100 amp current capable. An end game solid state amp for me, drives all of my speakers easily (even vintage Infinity RS Kappa 7s).

Doug Dale at CODA found a supply of hard to find "high bandwidth" transistors, and upgraded the S5.5 with those......somewhere mid 2023. I'm not sure why they didn't indicate a different model, like the S5.6 or some such; but it is a great SS amp.