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Impressions: $1k-$2k integrated amps

Hi there!

Id like to start a thread to collect impressions from about about integrated amps in the $1k - $2k range (new or used). 
How would you describe the character of the sound? How did it “pair” with other items in your rig? Most important, how did it compare with other amps in this category/on this list. 

This is not exhaustive but here’s a starting point:

Belles Aria

Yamaha a-s1100

Yanaha a-s2100 (used)

AVA SET 120 Control 

Anthem i225

Primare i21

Primare i22

Moon by Sim Audio 240i (used)

Rega Elex-R

Marantz PM8006


leemaze
helomech
1,677 posts
 
The A-S1100 and Elex-R are both top of their class. Haven't heard most of the others on your list but have experienced enough integrateds at the price point that I'm convinced you'd be hard pressed to find better than these two.


kren0006
1,859 posts
 
Yeah I think the Rega is a nice choice under $2k. 
leemaze OP
330 posts
 
What do you guys like about those amps?

the phono stage?
the volume control?
the timing?
the power?
leemaze OP
330 posts
 
@helomech can you compare your impressions of those 2 amps, their phono stages and their overall pros and cons?
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
I demo’d the Rega against the Bel Canto integrated over Maggie LRS speakers playing cd with Rega CD player.
Probably listened to each for half hour. Here are my notes that I took at time on my phone:

Auditioned Rega Elex-R vs. Bel Canto C5i integrated amps. Magnepan LRS speakers (no sub) with Rega Apollo CD player. Small room

Liked Rega better. Close. Rega better bass, more full bodied, more layers, grittier. Bel Canto more clarity, maybe more revealing, maybe little wider soundstage. Salesman thought BC better

Listened for about half hour each, Buddy Guy blues.


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