-Audio Refinement Complete Integrated is a good choice. There is a silver unit currently available for $525.
-However, there's always the Music Hall Mambo with 50WPC RMS of pure class A. It also has a built-in DAC so that she can have the option of using her surrent CD as transport. The Mambo receives very good review from Stereophile. I heard it at CES and thought it was a very nice integrated. There's one on sale currently at $800.
-For tube hybrid, there's a Xindak 6900SE on sale for $800 (retail $1,995) although I've never heard it.
-My final recommendation would have to be the Pathos Classic One Integrated amplifier with remote in Class A/AB, hybrid circuit with input tube stage, bridgeable Output Power: 2 x 50W @ 8 Ohm. Silky smooth sound with balance (XLR)inputs. There's on on sale at $850 (retail $2200).
Good luck.
-However, there's always the Music Hall Mambo with 50WPC RMS of pure class A. It also has a built-in DAC so that she can have the option of using her surrent CD as transport. The Mambo receives very good review from Stereophile. I heard it at CES and thought it was a very nice integrated. There's one on sale currently at $800.
-For tube hybrid, there's a Xindak 6900SE on sale for $800 (retail $1,995) although I've never heard it.
-My final recommendation would have to be the Pathos Classic One Integrated amplifier with remote in Class A/AB, hybrid circuit with input tube stage, bridgeable Output Power: 2 x 50W @ 8 Ohm. Silky smooth sound with balance (XLR)inputs. There's on on sale at $850 (retail $2200).
Good luck.