Need integrated amp for Sonus Faber Concertos

Hello. I used to own Sonus Faber Concertinos and drove them with a Simaudio Moon I-5. It was a pretty good combo. The Concertinos are full and warm and seemed to compliment the lean nature of the I-5, so that the overall balance wasn't to far in either direction. Good source and cable matching is a must.

I have just completed what you are beginning. With the same taste in music and similar speakers, the SF Concertinos. I am not going to tell you what I chose. It is important that you discover your own listening. But, I will tell you what I believe to be great candidates:
Arcam 85A
Classe CAP 151
Music Fidelity 300
Electrocompaniet EI3 (one presently going for 1,300 on site)
SimAudio I-5
YBA Integre DT

IMPORTANT NOTE: These models are the latest versions and they are going to exceed your budget. But, it is probably the only way you will be able audition them unless a friend has the earlier model. That is what you want to go after when your ears have made their decision. For example, the Classe CAP 151, changed very little since its predecessor highly touted 150. Each of the Int's will bring a different quality/dynamic to your ears and your music. Much will be influenced by the interconnects and cables that are used. Try to have the store where you audition replicate your speakers as much as possible. WARNING: DO NOT BUY ON HERESAY. Good Luck...Happy Hunting.

Here is an example of what I meant by finding a earlier model year. This is a YBA Integre DT with remote whose essential design and circuitry has not changed since it first came out in 1997. The current price for it would be 2650 new... but here 1998 model in excellent condition is within your budget. Mind you should spend time listening and auditioning to ints before you buy. Hot deals come up all the time if you are patient.

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1023125139

I have the Concertino.... A contact at Sumiko Audio who distributes Sonus Faber recommended the following... YBA Integre DT and the Classe CAP 150 (Earlier but same as the current 151). You should also listen to the SimAudio I-5 and the Music Fidelity A300.... it might be possible to get them for 1200 used on Audiogon. I went with the YBA myself... and while it is only 50Watts... 50 Watts like you have never heard. ..it is awesome with the Sonus Fabers. I was also extremely impressed with the Classe and the SimAudio. The Sim is very powerful. Good luck.

For the Concertino, you don't need an amp with huge power... You need an amp with that able to deliver precise, uncolored signal... My friend uses the grand piano (larger model) with a YBA integre DT and he's really happy.