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What do you think is the best integrated amplifier under 1000

How's it going?! I'm in search for a integrated that can produce the best sound for the 1000 under bracket. I know it's not a lot of money for an amp, but I still think there's some great amps on the used market for that price. Or if anyone would know a great chi-fi amp for the price it would be all so helpful. I have wharfedale 9.1 bookself speakers and will be mainly using the speakers for hip hop music. My room size is very small like 9 feet by 10 feet for a computer set up. I have it running my speakers into a Emotiva basx a100 in a Arcam rdac to computer. It's just for near filed desktop use.  The speakers have a  sensitivity of 86db so looking for something powerful enough. Here are the rest of the specs:  Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 loudspeaker Specifications | Stereophile.com

Any other info you need just let me know. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Peace.
audiowav
stevewharton
111 posts
 
+1 for the PS Audio Sprout

This unit has been a good little workhorse for me going on 3 years

Initially paired with Elac Debut 6.2, moved up to a pair of Klipsch RP-600M and now a pair of Kef Q750s providing sound for the primary TV in the house

The Sprout made them all sing

Priced around $600 and I've read reviews that compare it favorably to $1500 big box integrated amps

A terrific price performer
brockwired's avatar
brockwired
53 posts
 
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_440A11TB/Rotel-A11-Tribute-Black.html?tp=34948

A nice basic integrated...unlike the earlier Parasound New Classic suggestion. That is a preamp. I have only seen reviews on it. Sorry I am more of a tube guy, but tubes may not work in every situation. 

Another amp to look into is the Rega Io amp. It is around $600 I think. Very simple and compact class AB amplifier with three inputs. Sounds like they spent the R&D money on the amp instead of bells and whistles.

You would want to add a basic DAC to either of those amps. Something in the $100 to $300 bracket. That would give you the best balance between affordability, flexibility, upgrades and sound quality.
tk21
238 posts
 
The Peachtree Nova 150 runs about $1300 new, but you might find a used one used that fits your budget. One nice feature is that they are designed to accept a direct connection to iOS devices.

Another possibility, for $899 new, is the Bluesound Power Node. 80 watt, with Airplay 2, WiFi Bluetooth, HDMI eARC.  Decent desktop/phone control software.  It does not seem to have USB-B input for direct connection to a computer, but there's an optical/analog input.
austinstereo's avatar
austinstereo
61 posts
 
Hands down, the Rega Brio at $995.  Full disclosure here.  I work for a Rega dealer.  I've heard a wide array of integrated and separates over the years.  This little guy runs rings around many integrated amps, and will even take on some more basic separates setups.  Excellent phono stage as well.  This is a must, as we are vinyl fans.  Also, a true analog volume control.  A key annoyance with many modern amps is the lack of this.  
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
I’ll second all previous recommendations, rogue Sphinx, rega brio, van alstine set 120, and the a11 tribute by rotel...all excellent products for the money. I am personally thinking about buying the set 120 just to try it out...not that I need any more amplifiers...just curious is all. 30 day return policy...
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