What punches much higher than it's price point?

Synthesis integrated amplifiers, hands down. Either the A40 or A100. They have an excellent onboard DAC as well.

@gkelly I'm not a football guy but my sons sure are rabid about footballs (Bobby Boucher is my guy) and despite living on the western side of the country we raised our kids in Maine...so Pats it was. For a reasonable honorarium I will root for your team the Space Needle Seahawks. (No need to thank me.) I can't name a single player on any team. Your Ray Brown may be the San Francisco 49ers cornerbacks coach but my Ray Brown was a great bassist known for his extensive work with Oscar Peterson and Ella. He was also a founding member of the group that would later develop into the MJQ, “Soular Energy” by The Ray Brown Trio was played yesterday. Ahhhh.

As for the matter at hand. What punches much higher than its price point? How's about acoustical paneling? Just tackling the first reflection point garners a win. Also the right chair!

Currently in my listening room I have a pair of Wilson Sasha 2 and a pair of Bryston Model T.  The differences are subtle not dramatic. One pair was 30K and one was 10K. My Wilson's are maybe 15% better sounding for 300% more money. I'd say the Bryston Model T punches WAY above it's weight. 

greenngoldcheesehead

HIJIRI cables and power cords.

Honorable mention- Ayre and Creek Integrated Amps.

Happy Listening!

Waltersalas,

I agree—both the Synthesis A40 and A100 are terrific integrated amps with a very good DAC.