For $2k I wouldn’t do any of those. Research research and research some more. Buy used. A well built amp is going to be reliable, especially if it isn’t too old. Check customer service as well.
I was contemplating a Musical Fidelity M6i, a Kinki Studio EX-M1, a Primare I30. Creek is supposed to be good as well but I couldn’t use my spade connectors on the creek. I also looked at Vincent and Parasound but thought they were more in line with my Anthem than companies like, Belles, Creek, Hegel etc.
I ended up going from my Anthem I225 (with upgraded fuses and powercord) to a Belles Aria Integrated. The Anthem I225 is a great amp for the $. Lots of muscle, pretty refined and smooth. The Belles absolutely destroyed it. Waay more open and with better bass control / definition.
The Aria Integrated doesn’t come up often and will sell within a day or two. I was actually contacted by another AGon member when I bought mine. Mine was never even on the market. The seller contacted me, offered me a fair price and I paid within an hour.
The Belles made me start looking at amps a little bit differently. The Belles lets you take a little peek inside what the world of true hifi sounds like. The Belles sounds tube like to me with a touch of sweetness and more oomph.
Anyhow, I’d possibly broaden your search and start looking preowned. Decide what strengths in an amp you are looking for then go after that amp. I had to wait 3 months before getting the opportunity to buy a Belles Aria Integrated. Also, start looking at pictures of the insides of the amps to get a feel for their layout. Dual mono design? Size and number of caps? Quality components inside? Sand cast resistors (no bueno if you like smooth sound). Size and quality and location of the power supply. Binding posts and connections. Do you need / want xlr? Class D, Class A/B, Class A, Tube? Hybrid? Do you want an onboard dac?
I was contemplating a Musical Fidelity M6i, a Kinki Studio EX-M1, a Primare I30. Creek is supposed to be good as well but I couldn’t use my spade connectors on the creek. I also looked at Vincent and Parasound but thought they were more in line with my Anthem than companies like, Belles, Creek, Hegel etc.
I ended up going from my Anthem I225 (with upgraded fuses and powercord) to a Belles Aria Integrated. The Anthem I225 is a great amp for the $. Lots of muscle, pretty refined and smooth. The Belles absolutely destroyed it. Waay more open and with better bass control / definition.
The Aria Integrated doesn’t come up often and will sell within a day or two. I was actually contacted by another AGon member when I bought mine. Mine was never even on the market. The seller contacted me, offered me a fair price and I paid within an hour.
The Belles made me start looking at amps a little bit differently. The Belles lets you take a little peek inside what the world of true hifi sounds like. The Belles sounds tube like to me with a touch of sweetness and more oomph.
Anyhow, I’d possibly broaden your search and start looking preowned. Decide what strengths in an amp you are looking for then go after that amp. I had to wait 3 months before getting the opportunity to buy a Belles Aria Integrated. Also, start looking at pictures of the insides of the amps to get a feel for their layout. Dual mono design? Size and number of caps? Quality components inside? Sand cast resistors (no bueno if you like smooth sound). Size and quality and location of the power supply. Binding posts and connections. Do you need / want xlr? Class D, Class A/B, Class A, Tube? Hybrid? Do you want an onboard dac?