Which Integrated?


I'm looking for a good quality, 'higher end', integrated amp. I am sick of using cheaper components (READ:nakamichi receiver) that make everything sound soooooo glaringly digital and fatiguing. High end separates are too expensive for me, but I would like to get into that type of higher end sound.

I will be spending about $1200 USD (give or take). So far, I have read about the Unison Research Unico (nice) and the Moon i-3.

I currently run nht 2.5i speakers (which i will be selling in order to downsize - I find they are too big for my room)

Any suggestions? Any comments from users of the aforementioned equipment?

Thanks

Loose
loosevogtf603
I just got a Musical Fidelity A308 Integrated and I could not be happier. It took the last bit of grain out of my Monitor Audio Silver 8i's and it unlocked details that I had not previously heard on some of my recordings. I bought a new one from Underwoodwally (Walter, who has 635 positives so far without a single negative), and he is wonderful guy to deal with. If you are looking for a more cost effective solution, I have heard that the Adcom GFP-750 can beat many pre-amps costing up to $5k and is rated Stereophile A. It can be had used for $700 to $800 on the Audiogon board. My $$$ went to a new Musical Fidelity with a 5 year warranty. Best of luck.
I agree with the YBA DT. If you insist on a brand new amplifier, then look at the Blue Circle CS.
Thanks tons guys...

So far, I've looked into some of your suggestions...

I had already looked at the Blue Circle CS, but the Unison Research blew it away. As far as YBA is concerned, I'm not sure that it is what I'm looking for (although admittedly, I have not tried it out).

I would prefer to stay new (or demo), but not used as I have had bad experiences with used equipment.

Any more help would be greatly appreciated.

Stephen
I have the Creek 5350SE and have been very happy with it. You should be able to pick one up used for under a grand.

Matty
I can second the above recommendation for Aronov integrated selling used in the $1500 range. The dual mono volume controls confound non-tweaky family members within my household, but the sound quality is just so natural with amazing sense of power when called for. There is no phono section which seems to keep the price out of the stratosphere.