When I bought my DAC3HGC/AHB2 combo I actually wanted an integrated amp. I crossed shopped it with Luxman and McIntosh, both similar in price. Lux was my first choice because it reminded me of the kind of gear I grew up with. Meters, and a lot of controls. The Mac didn't look as nice as their older units, IMO. When it came time to pull the trigger I bought the Benchmark combination because I knew that there was nothing as good, for the dollars. And things for more dollars were no better, either. Probably worse. My interactions with Benchmark have been first rate. They are nice guys. Helpful. Same for McIntosh I guess--they've been in business since '49 so that tells you something. On the other hand, I can't call Yokohama if I have questions, or a problem with an integrated amplifier.