Best Integrated, period.

The new Exemplar Audio Exception integrated is smokin good. The preamp is total high end and at only 50 watts is will surprise you.

If your interested in an amazing integrated check out the Exemplar Audio Exception. It is mind blowing good, especially if you have a topnotch front end. It simply sounds beautiful. It retails for less than many of the integrated amps mentioned in this thread but won't take a backseat.

Just jumping back in to give kudos to the Exemplar gear. I now have about several hours on this unit and it is really sounding great. I also have been using John's Exception DAC and the Oppo 105 as the transport. I have had some amazing gear on my rack (tube momo-blocks, etc...) but none have the beautiful SQ that the Exemplar Audio gear has. It is close in bass/lower end to the Bob Carver mono-blocks I owned but not quite there; however, it excels in every other area. Singer's voices are spot on especially the ladies. The pricing is great for such a fabulous component. I was never high on integrated amps but I have no desire to go back to separates.

Okay, I have to say the Exemplar Audio Exception integrated is down right stunning good. John has made another change to the preamp section and it has gone to another level. It has a tube preamp and solid state amplification. It is simply the most MUSICAL piece of gear I have ever had the privilege to have in my home. Highly recommended.

I believe it retails for $5499. If you are interested please let me know and I will point you to a dealer who can work with you. I recommend 90db sensitivity speakers or above. I have the Exemplar Exception integrated and the Oppo 105 that John upgraded and I can tell you they make beautiful music! John's gear is MUSICAL and some of the gear out there is well made and beautiful but the sound is sterile and analytical. I used to own high end separates and I have no desire to go back. Reach out to John Tucker and he can discuss the gear with you. Tell him Kevin in Louisville referred you to him. He is a great guy.