Impressions: $1k-$2k integrated amps

@helomech can you compare your impressions of those 2 amps, their phono stages and their overall pros and cons?

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.

please clarify, 

I think you only want to hear about those amps, or any others you add to your list, correct?

Hi @kren0006: thanks much! this is cool!

Hi @elliottbnewcomjr.

The amps on my list are examples, and definitely ones I’ve looked at closely, but i’m open to any thoughts on any integrated in this price range. I'm really just interested in a dialogue of impressions about these amps to see if any consistent trends/characteristics emerge about different units.  Also impressions of the included phono stages are of interest, as these seem to vary wildly from amp to amp.  Anything to add?

Thanks!

Been living with the Creek Evolution 50a with Ruby2 DAC board the last 2 weeks,VERY first SS amp I've had in almost 15 years,having been strictly into tubes...
 ABSOLUTELY amazed how far SS has come.This amp displays wonderful color & texture through the upper bass & midrange,a sweet,extended treble,good solid bass with very good tone & texture,imaging & staging not at tube level but much better than I expected..Interestingly the headphone circuit is SUPERB,rivaling the tube can amps I've demo'd & owned(Schiit,Cavalli,modded APPJ Audio & Woo Audio)...