best budget integrated amp for rock n roll music?

The Mistral is a bad little man. A couple years ago I heard it with a CD12 driving a pair of $4500 Ruark 3-ways, and, man, great tone, very potent, and smooth. They never told me the price of it, but I would of died if they said, "$995". I bought the pre a few months ago, used, based on on that audition. Great products. Good to see Mistral getting some lip service.

I love the Puccini but it's strength is not speed and bass kick, so not for the rock and roll lover. For more natural sounding music (classical, jazz, voice), it's hard to beat.
--a

FS Audio's comments on the Mistral are consistent with my own experience. I've tried many inexpensive integrateds (NAD, Denon..) and also Magnum Dynalab 208 (Stereophile Class A) and that one from Italy (Audio Analogue I think). These ranged from good to extremely good but the Mistral is the first solid state amp I've ever heard that has the presence and palpability of tube gear, and without rolling off high end at all. It softens the bass just a little. I have had this unit for a couple of weeks and I'm still in shock over how good it is. It is VERY present and lifelike. The only hint of a flaw I can discern so far is a slight emphasis on lower treble and that slight softening of bass. My tube monoblocks do have a bit more weight and slightly more relaxed, but the Mistral is fantastic, a real keeper. The sound is so liquid and beguiling I can't believe it's solid state. BTW, I have the LE version of the Mistral.

I feel that FS Audio is also correct in stating that they should have been clear about being a Mistral dealer when they made their original comments. Any dealer commenting on a product that they sell should mention that in the comment, period. I'm glad to see they realize that.

Art

I have never heard the Mistral so I cannot compare. I did just finish a very long shopping period (7 months) for an integrated and listened both in home and at dealers with my own cables. It may be beyond your price range (as it was for me) but the YBA Integre DT IMO sounds fantastic with all sorts of music. I listen to Jazz, classical, rock, Drum'n bass and some wierd progressive stuff that not alot of people seem to like....

I wound up getting a great deal (though still over my initial budget) and for the moment feel that I could live with this amp for a very long time. I must mention though that my speakers are very easy to drive: +/- 90db and the combination with the YBA Integre DT fills my place with dynamic sound at about 10:30 on the dial. Bass without a subwoofer is tight and extremely musical, with a sub you get added impact. Let it warm up when auditioning as I notice that it gets richer the longer it plays.

New, the Integre DT can be pricey, but you might find a used one for a good price.

The other "budget" amp that I heard which sounded great on rock during my shopping spree was the NAD C370. A great rock and roll amp with plenty of power, lots of punch and pretty good detail too. It's only when I compared it to models like the YBA that I realized just how much more information and subtle detail and tonal shifts the higher priced amp could deliver.

I'm not a dealer, just a music lover and part time musicien.

Just another suggestion to confuse you even further, if you do as much research as I did, you'll eventualy get something that will sound great no matter which brand you choose.

Good Luck

I will add another vote for the Mistral. If you have not heard it, you owe it to yourself to audition one.

Currently I am using an Onkyo DVD as a transport, Chord DAC 64, the Mistral SE, and Talon Audio Khites in my "music only" system. I also have plugged it into my home theatre (stero mode only of course) and driven a pair of Def Tech BP 30's without any problems. Last night, I was listening to Glen Gould playing Bach's Goldberg Variations, through the Khites, and the piano was right there in my room. I could hear the decay of the strings!

I have found only one fault with the Mistral, no remote.