Best Integrated that you've heard under $5k

cd45123 and the winner is_____________

Line Magnetic 518IA  swapped in NOS 6L6GCs , 5751s and 5AR4 rectifier . New version of this amp is the 845IA , supposed to be even better

Perhaps audiophiles can correct my thinking on two or three counts:

(1) I thought power output was significant, thus the number of 250-400wpc amps on the market, but many of these integrated amps have 10-40wpc … are they designed for smaller speakers? Or to be used with a power amp (in which case what’s the benefit of “integrated”?) I listen to refurbished Ohm Walsh 4’s.

(2) I thought a high quality optical cable was one of the best ways to connect inputs but many of the recommended units lack that connection. As for “balanced” inputs the amp may accept them, but many input devices do not. What’s best?

(3) Many of these units have minimal controls, even on their remotes. For example, after volume and input selection, I want balance control (to adjust to where I sit in my 20’ x 30’ room, and subwoofer level control (since recordings seem to vary wildly in the bass range). Yet none (including the remote for  my Parasound Halo) have them. Why not?

I have 2 - 22wpc integrated amps that I switch in and out of my main system , they easily drive floorstanders that are 97.5 db sensitivity and 6 ohm impedance

I’ve never seen an integrated amp or a preamp that was connected to a source component via optical cable vs XLR or RCA interconnects.

I believe the H390 is very close to $6k.

'street price' is right around 5 grand - i bought mine new from a dealer last fall for just under that