All-in-one integrated, 10-15K range, class A/B only

No offense intended but the McIntosh and the Hegel, while fine pieces, are not in the same zip code as the Boulder. The Boulder 866 could have been priced at $20,000 for the analog version and $25,000 for the dac version and the reviewers would still crow about it. Its that good. Its a good thing Boulder doesn't change models very often, it will probably take them several years to work through the order backlog once people get a chance to hear it.

Been reading reviews on the ones people have been posting about here and that Hegel seems to really be getting the best reviews, sounds like they feel the dac in it alone justifies the price. Not a brand I’ve heard about until more recently, may need to check that out myself

@speedbump6


Indeed the Hegel has been getting some good reviews from the Hegel owners. The 390 is supposed to be a really fine amp/dac, especially at the prices you see them discounted at both new and preowned. The 590 had better be good at $11k. The strongest reviews seem to be from the reviewers who already own Hegel, which can be a strong statement or a channel, depending on perspective. There is some great gear being made and designed throughout the world and I'm certain the Hegel falls into that camp.

Until you hear the Vitus, the Nagra, the Gryphon and then the Boulder...the refinement is just there. The elegance is just there. It does come at a price but to many its worth it. I don't know if Hegel really knows how to play in the 5 figure game yet, we will see. Go hear all of the aforementioned amps, no matter what you buy, its really amazing what is available today in high quality gear.

I’m talking about professional reviewers, not owners. It’s amazing how people will demean the professional reviewers as just paid advitisers, but now people who own them ( which I have not looked at any of those yet) are fanboys. It makes it seem like there’s an agenda and that a company that normally dosnt play in that price point shouldn’t be allowed. Their status image isn’t up to snuff. I listen with my ears. I don’t buy status. The names you mentioned have indeed earned their status and recognition, but that dosnt mean a lessor know player can’t also. Unless having heard those products, I’m not sure how such a statement could be made. I have not heard most of those first hand. So I cannot make judgement directly, only trying to respond to the ops question, and I enjoy learning about the products, so I’ve read up on most of the ones posted here and just noticed the great feedback from the Hegel. 

@essrand : it sounds you already know what to get --- the Boulder 866.

It checks all your boxes, and it's superb sounding Int. Amp. Cut to the chase and get one for yourself.