The Portal Panache should definitely be on your list considering the sonic traits you mention. The only issue is no remote control. There are plenty of positive reviews listed at ecoustics.com. There is one change made to the amp since those reviews and that is beefed up binding posts, at least the posts on my Panache seem to be very high quality.
Another couple of integrateds to look at in your price range include the Sony (yes Sony) TA-F707ES and it's big brother, TA-F808ES. I have a 707 and believe it to be sonically wonderful piece of gear. You can run it in direct mode to bypass all the gewgaws for pure,clean sound. All the sonic traits you are looking for are there plus excellent build quality. Althought the Sony is the warmest running amp I've owned, it's also the quietest amp I've owned. Find one of these used cheap and keep it for spare. Love those MOSFETs. Good luck with your search and let us know what works for you.
Another couple of integrateds to look at in your price range include the Sony (yes Sony) TA-F707ES and it's big brother, TA-F808ES. I have a 707 and believe it to be sonically wonderful piece of gear. You can run it in direct mode to bypass all the gewgaws for pure,clean sound. All the sonic traits you are looking for are there plus excellent build quality. Althought the Sony is the warmest running amp I've owned, it's also the quietest amp I've owned. Find one of these used cheap and keep it for spare. Love those MOSFETs. Good luck with your search and let us know what works for you.