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
So I don’t have vinyl and didn’t listen to the Rega phono input, but since Rega foremost a turntable company, their integrated amp phono inputs are considered good as far as integrated phono stages go, from what I’ve read.

It should be noted the Bel Canto was class D, which can have advantages and disadvantages. That’s a whole separate topic. Bel Canto is a nice amp, I just liked the Rega a bit better but others would have opposite opinion, as the salesman did.

I’d look at Hegel also in the price range. Rega and Hegel both class A/B.

Rega has a sort of analog sound I would describe it. Hegel more forward a bit (but not bright -- bright would be Rotel in this price range.  Note that Rega doesn't include a DAC, whereas many others do (Hegel, Bel Canto, others that will be mentioned).  Not sure whether having an integrated DAC is important to you or not (for phono you won't need a DAC).

These just my subjective impressions. Others will disagree. All personal preference. YMMV.

FWIW, I settled instead on the Marantz PM7000n because it was less expensive and a true all-in-one (meaning it includes a streamer for streaming Tidal, Spotify, etc.). If my budget had been higher and I had space for multiple boxes (this was for my 3rd system), I'd have likely gone with Rega and an external dac/streamer.
I've had the Bel Canto C5i in my system for a couple of years now. I've been very pleased with it. Very clean sound, but not harsh, and much more powerful sounding than it's 60 watts/ch at 8 ohms would suggest. (It has a very good power supply -- output doubles to 120 w/ch at 4 ohms.)

I've only used the digital and line level inputs so have no comment on the phono, but would suspect that is very good also.

It also only uses 14 watts at idle so I leave it on 24/7.

My prior amp was a Image Audio 65i with KT88 outputs. While I liked that amp a lot, I really haven't missed it since I switched (other than the glow of tubes on a cold winter's night). I bought the C5i as a dealer demo so got it for $1,200 instead of the $2K list.