Rotel RA-1572MKII

Rich, warm sound with tremendous dynamic range and detail ; Premium build quality ; Lots of connection and control options ; Excellent value

Backlit remotes, perhaps metal rather than plastic ; Optical output on the CD player

For $3,200, the RA-1572MKII Integrated Amplifier and RA-1572MKII CD Player deliver high-end sound at a mid-fi price. If you want the feel of vinyl and tubes without the hassle, there is no better system.

True story. My very first hi-fi system featured a Rotel integrated amplifier—if memory serves, a model RA-20 of some 20 watts per channel. I bought it brand new for around $60 from K&L Sound in Watertown, Massachusetts, with money saved from my...