Best bargain integrated amp?


I'm in the market for a new integrated amp. I currently own a Cambridge Audio 640A, but am begining to notice its short commings. I'm looking for a more refined amp with more power. I listen to mostly rock, jazz, acoustic guitar stuff: Leo Kottke, Nick Drake etc. in that order.

I would like to go second hand and spend no more than $700.00, and I guess my question is will I notice a considerable improvement sound quality with a second hand amp of this price?

I'm interested in the Odyssey Audio Cyclops but have yet to find it used. What other units should I consider?

My system:
Speakers: Acoustic Energy Aelite 2
CDP: ShengYa CD-s10 (tube)
Interconnects: Kimber Kable Timbre
Speaker Cables: PS Audio X-Stream Plus

Thanks for the help.
catt3
Hi Catt3,

Could you say a bit more about what you do and don't like about your current amp? Is it lacking in bass (I found the Cambridge gear bright for my taste)?

In my experience, more money does buy a nicer integrated. Consider, for example, a used Arcam. But integrateds in your price range aren't powerful. The powerful integrateds are expensive. Surprisingly, I think you can do better for the money by shopping for separates. Kind of counter-intuitive. If you have the space, separates are the way to go.

Does your amp have pre-outs? Perhaps you can buy an amp now, and pre-amp later.

Cordially,

Eric
Catt3,
I would suggest the Roksan Kandy III. The Roksan has features such as headphone out, phono section and two preamp outs, all of which are useful. They usually sell just under your price on the rare occasion they are offered used.
I've owned mine for about a year now and feel I'd need to spend between $1,000 to $1,500 or a used Krell, Classe or Plinius to significantly better my sound but I'm in no hurry. This is just one of many suggestions you'll recv.
I'm using a Naim Nait 5i and think it's terrific. My source is a Naim CD5i and speeakers are Devore Fidelity Gibbon 8's. Makes me forget about hi-fi gear and listen to music - that's what it's all about. You can probably find one on here for $900 or so. Cheers!