Amplifier recommendation

@viridian What you suggest I should go to? The Rotel RC-995 might be outdated to today standards but I still think is a good value preamp that uses a beefier PS with a toroidal tranformer and balanced outputs. Compare to my previous model RC-980BX which is actually much older model, was night and day difference. Maybe the better route is to go integrated.

@audition__audio Thanks for the comment. I am more looking for a neutral sound with no added coloration. Although I do praise tube sound it might not be my cup of tea at the moment. 

FWIW, the Coda No.11 has achieved a near legendary status among some.

I would not hesitate to buy one for a reasonable price, and that’s even despite the fact I was ultimately somewhat disappointed with a newer No.8. 

You should also consider the restored/upgraded Yamaha B-2 VFET amp for sale here. It will likely compete with anything remotely near your budget. I know for a fact it would stomp the Hegel 160. 

@helomech What did you use for a preamp with the No 8?  I upgraded from an older Coda to the No 8.  I don't find it lacking in bass at all. 

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2727106

Merle Travis. 

Never heard the Bryston, nor the CODA No 11. I do know that CODA amps are huge current machines and deliver a good chunk of that power in Class A..I know the CODA No 8 well, and own the latest S5.5.

The S5.5 drives some very difficult speakers extremely well (vintage Infinity RS Kappa 7s and Thiel 2.3s) among others.....but I would think the Coda No. 11 could be a good match