Best cheap integrated amp

If you're set on new, and not used or refurb, at $500 or less - I'd consider the Denon PM-600NE integrated - $399.  Steve Guttenberg had positive things to say about it - and the customer reviews are almost universally positive.  Not a lot of power, but if you paired it with some efficient bookshelves like the Klipsch RP0-600M's, I bet it would be a really nice pairing.

If you're willing to stretch a little bit, the Yamaha A-S501 at $549 (Music Direct) would be something to consider.  A little less power than the 701/801.  I have the 801 and I think it's excellent for the price.  6 Moons did a review a few years ago on it and had high praise.  The variable loudness is really nice for improving low volume listening, and the tone controls can be useful sometimes. (both can be bi-passed in "pure-direct" mode).

Good luck!

Yamaha R N303, you have amplifier and streamer together, by the way,the steamer is very good with total price before tax under $400.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Since posting this I picked up a Rega Mira 3 to use with my Schiit Modi3 DAC and recently aquired Dynaudio Emit10 monitor speakers. For fun a picked up a Yamaha rxv681 AVR to concider. The Rega sounds better but Yamaha has room correction, so no final decisions yet. I may look for a Dynaudio Emit15c center speaker and give 3.0 a try for the TV system. It’s all up in the air, but I think I'm set for now.

Rega Mira 3 is good in this price range.I listen for a period of time.