I third the 23.5 (the 23 is OK but the 23.5 is truly special) There's one for sale on the Gon right now, unless it's sold -- they go fast.
It will work best using its balanced input, so plan on a preamp with a balanced output. A used Levinson 26s would be the perfect match -- if you can find one it will cost more than the amp! However there's a 28 preamp for $995 which would be a good match. It doesn't have the onboard phono, but you'd want an external phono preamp if you do vinyl.
If you want to do HT, you'll need a processor and a multichannel amp (or multiple amps.) All are available in the current Levinson line (at over ten times your budget ;--)
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It will work best using its balanced input, so plan on a preamp with a balanced output. A used Levinson 26s would be the perfect match -- if you can find one it will cost more than the amp! However there's a 28 preamp for $995 which would be a good match. It doesn't have the onboard phono, but you'd want an external phono preamp if you do vinyl.
If you want to do HT, you'll need a processor and a multichannel amp (or multiple amps.) All are available in the current Levinson line (at over ten times your budget ;--)
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