I agree with what has been said above. The mags all have their perspectives and if you read them long enough you can kind of predict their review. Agon has great advice and there are lots of threads on integrated amps. But, to repeat the most important recommendation, don't let anything substitute for your own ears. Many times it is best to first select the speaker. However, if you want to buy the amp first, I suggest that you find the one you want and wait on the actual purchase until you find the speakers you want. This gives you some room for changing your mind, upgrading, etc. You may save yourself some hassel and money. Patience may pay back big time. Good luck.
What Rags carry the most review weight???
What magazines, for review purposes, do you follow? Reason I ask is that for example, "Stereophile" gave a wonderous review of Creek 5350SE but "What Hi*Fi?" says it is "likable" and has a "not-quite 800 pound sterling feel". Do our mates across the ocean have different tastes than us US'ers? Reason I ask all of this is that I am trying to decide on an integrated amp. Right now, I think I am down to the 5350SE, Arcam Diva 85, Music Fidelity A3, Bryston B60. Want a new piece, I will be building a system so will be adding speakers, cd, etc to this but want to start with amp. I will be trying to audition these prior to purchase. Any thoughts? Thnx in advance!!