Worth it to buy cheap, but no audition integrated

A safe bet used around your budget is the Audio Refinement Complete. It is a baby YBA Integre.

Hi. I would definately buy used higher end in just about any case. I have been doing this audio thing with a college student budget for a while and buying high quality used is the way to go for sure. For integrated, I would check out a Creek 4330. For CD, a Sony ES player (single or 5 disc) can be found for just about any price and they are excellent.

My Suggestion:
Pioneer Elite PD 65-Ask for date code on the rear of the player.I wouldn't buy one that is too old.

Musical Fidelity A3 Integrated-I love this amp and have compared it directly to McCormack.Close enough to prevent me from spending the extra money.

Also Kimber 4tc/pbj cables

tracer

Used equipment may sometimes be a better value, but the most important thing to consider is the proper interface and matching of the sonic signatures of your different components.
During a momentary lapse of reason, I downsized one of my systems from separates to an integrated amp. I purchased both an Audio Refinement Complete and NAD c350 integrated amp. While they both sound ok for the money, I would say the NAD is the better value. I purchased a new, "refurbished" one for less than $400 and it seemed brand new and worked perfectly. It has slightly less overall resolution than the Audio Refinement but it also has a richer midrange and smoother highs that will probably match up better with the Axiom's metal dome tweeters. For a low cost cd player, I think one of the best values at the moment is the Sony DVD-NS500V. It is a dvd player, but you can play cds thru its 2 channel output. It is being discontinued but is available at close out prices of around $150-180. It also plays SACD's, but it's redbook performance was a pleasant surprise given its low cost.