Opinions on best integrated under 10k?

@uberwaltz

I had the Lyngdorf last year for a few months.  My model had all the modules included.  I absolutely could not use it without Room Perfect enabled, like you've said.  I became quite suspicious that the SQ was degraded on purpose, just to emphasize the quality/importance of using Room Perfect.

My backup integrated at that time was a Cambridge CXA80.  The Cambridge sounded clearly better than the Lyngdorf (with Room Perfect turned off).  RP turned on, Lyngdorf left the Cambridge in the dust.

Digital with the Lyngdorf was quite fantastic, probably the best I've heard in my experience.  But, I could not live with the sound of the analog going through the ADC.  Vinyl playback lost it's warmth, and sounded too polite in my system.  80% of my listening is vinyl, so the Lyngdorf was sold.

If I ever am able to have a second system, and it's digital only, I would not hesitate for one second to get another Lyngdorf.

@uberwaltz

No phono option, you are correct.

At the time I had the Lyngdorf, I was using a Parasound Halo JC3 Jr.  Phono stage.  The sound was accurate and detailed, but too clinical for my liking when playing records.

@uberwaltz

Just pulled the trigger on a used (9/10) 2170.  All this Lyngdorf talk put me in "buy" mode.

Excited to give it another shot.  My TT and Phono stage have changed since the last time I was using the 2170.  Maybe better results this time, and if not I'll have a great start to a second system...

That's what I'm telling myself, at least.

Do you have to sell the 2170 to fund this purchase? You could always use the 2170 as a preamp, since it already has everything you need and run it with a nice tube amp.

Hard to find a tube integrated with the digital inputs you’re wanting. My other thought would be to look at pre/dacs and and pair with a tube amp.

If I could up my spending a bit more, I would go for a Mytek Manhattan II with a BAT VK-56.

Uber,

I think some of the integrateds in the Pathos line might fit the bill.  I think their tube integrated amps are still limited with their digital inputs, but they have the rest of what you need.

Are you completely opposed to an outboard DAC?

Uber,

Seems like you already have your amp then...ha.

Does the Nova not quite give you what you’re looking for?  Lot's of Peachtree fans out there.

How about this one?

https://audiogon.com/listings/lis9258j-avm-audio-cs-2-2-award-winning-remarkable-solid-state

If that link doesn’t work, the model is: AVM Audio CS 2.2

Just need speakers, and an internet connection.

Gold Note IS-1000

Another no-tube recommendation, but this looks very promising. 

Uber,

Thanks for the update.  I've come close to pulling the trigger on that Ayre a few times, but a little underpowered for the speakers I had at the time.

I'm really interested in how the Esoteric sounds compared to the Lyngdorf for digital.  Looks like the D-07 is an older DAC.  I wonder how it compares to all the new technology digital has made recently.  I'm looking at DACs now too, and there are tons of older models for great prices.  Very tempting.