Amplifier recommendation

@highend64 

You might want to consider the Rotel RB-1590. I’ve been completely satisfied with mine for nearly four years. The Music Room has one listed for 2.2k. You might be able to find one closer to your budget.The Rotel RB-1582 would work well too.

Both would work well with the sound you’re looking for and the music you listen too. As I reply I’m listening to Rush and then I’ll listen to some Merle and maybe even Norah later. It will all sound fantastic through the Rotel. :-)

Good luck with your search.

Cheers,

Scott

@samac Thanks for the recommendation. The RB-1590 does look sleek but for my speakers might be too much. The RB-1582 might be more suited for my taste. What about the mkii model? Is there an improvement from the original?

Odyssey Audio - Sonic bargain (very few of those) great reviews.
Audio by Van Alstine - high value, also has used gear on their website.  
Orchard Starkrimson - another option, fair/good reviews 

+1 @ozzy62 - be aware that some used amps need the extra cost of recapping to fix worn out parts

@highend64 

The 1582MKII is the one I’ve listened to. It shares the same characteristics of the 1590. It sounds great.

I believe the addition of balanced inputs was the biggest change to the 1582MKII from the original. They share the same overall design.

Cheers,

Scott

@kennyc Thanks! I heard great things about the Odyssey amps. What are you thoughts on the Khartago model compare to the Stratos model? They seem to have similar topology with the exception of more PS caps capacity on the Stratos model.

@samac the balanced connection is a plus.