A decent integrated amp under 2K ...

@alaindexe,

Just to be clear: All class AB solid state amplifiers run in class A to a point. Case in point the Schiit Ragnarok 2 runs class A for one watt and class B for 59 watts @ 8 Ohm. In my system the Ragnarok 2 amp generates less heat then my 20 watt class A mono block amps. Also,500 watts maximum power consumption from the wall socket is when the Ragnarok 2 is running @ maximum output power 60 watts @ 8 Ohms and 100 watts @ 4 Ohms. But when the Ragnarok 2 is outputting 3 or 4 watts into your speakers that power consumption from the wall socket I think will be very very low. FWIW, The Ragnarok 2 sounds great in my rig. My speakers efficiency is 2.7% @ 8 Ohms. My room is 13'x25'x 9'. The only way you will know how it sounds is to try it in your system. If you do not like it return it back to Schiit. Hope that helps. Mike

@pr : merci pour votre suggestion... je sais que les amplis en class A sonnent mieux que les transistors et qu'ils rivalisent même avec les tubes... par contre, ils chauffent beaucoup et je ne peux me permettre d'avoir un ampli qui chauffe à ce point pendant les mois d'été... je n'ai pas l'air climatisé et ça monte souvent à 31 degrés chez moi durant les mois chauds... merci d'avoir pris le temps de me répondre... au plaisir...

Hi, 

Listen the V-fet amps, really better than other SS, "tube like" sound, courbes similar to 300b triode.

Pass first watt SIT (2x 15 watts)

Sony ta-4650 (vintage 2x 30 watts)

I compared these two amps with my focal 907be speakers, similar sound, very natural, the sony was better with sensibility 89db.

I also compared with yamaha as-2000, much power, but no sensations, no emotion, no smile, nothing !!!

Really better than El34 PP to a friend, it's incomparable !

Now, I use the Sony with a preamp tubes (2x mullard CV4024, 2x rayton baldwin 12ax7 grey plates) 

Oh my god, the sound is fabulous, very clear and transparent but no stress !

Sorry for my langage, i'm french...

@ditusa : thanks for considering my requirements before making a suggestion ... much appreciated ... i had thought about Schiit before and had given up on the idea i cant remember why so i went to read more .. . several criteria play in its favor, in particular its flexibility and its low wattage ... on the other hand, it has a class A output for headphones and I try to avoid class A because of the heat emitted ... Another "detail", Schitt Audio does not give precise data on electricity consumption and it is a very important measure for me ... it only says : "Power Consumption: 500W maximum ".

@alaindexe,

Stereophile reviews the Schiit audio Ragnarok 2 integrated amplifier.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/schiit-audio-ragnarok-2-integrated-amplifier

The Rogue Sphinx is a good little amp. The Belles is a great amp. If Belles is on your list you can safely drop anything from Vincent. The Belles will embarrass it.

No experience with Croft.

I don’t know if it’s been mentioned, but see if a nearby dealer has any of these items to demo in your house with your speakers.

Good luck!

Bel Canto c5i does it all and a steal if found used. 

Have any of you folks suggesting ss amps  > 50 watts listened to them extensively with 100db+ speakers and been blown away with the resulting sound quality? If so, I think many of us would like to know what combos they were. 

IMHE, lower powered designs optimized for very efficient speakers (aka QUIET) are almost always going to be a better match. If your enthusiasm for an 80w Widget Amp is based on listening with a for example 90db speaker, you should make that clear because it's apples & oranges vs. a 100db speaker.

Yes, most of those low power amps are tube designs. Many of the better ones are single-ended-triode. Single-ended isn't limited to tubes though. Pass Labs and First Watt have many lower powered ss amps that might just be the ticket for @alaindexe. First Watt can be had within the target budget. Nelson Pass has done youtube interviews explaining the differences in sonics of the various models. Cheers,

Spencer

Van alstine set 120 control amp, Rogue audio Sphinx, v3, Unison Research Unico Primo ($1999), the Naim Nait 5si....

@alaindexe - I had to re-read your post so my bad.  I have no suggestions for you for a SS amp for your speakers then. 😀

Happy Listening

@alaindexe Understood and it makes sense. Good luck with your search. I have started a couple threads about hybrid amplification, so I'm curious about what you're after. Best of luck!

@boomerbillone : in my experience amps have a sweet spot in terms of output volume ... some amps that I found mediocre at low volume turned out to be better at high volume and vice versa ... so it’s best not to have a powerful amp for nothing ... also, a powerful amp gives off more heat than a less powerful one (unless the less powerful is a class A) ... and the more an amp heats up, the faster its components deteriorate ... all this to say that I know my needs in terms of power ... my current amp is 34 watts per chanel and it’s more than enough for my needs ...

@oksailor : When I bought my Altec 620A, they were connected to a 200 watts Mcintosh amp that had powered them when they were in a recording studio. I managed to knock down walls, but in terms of subtlety, I was not impressed - and never was for that matter - with this or any other SS Mcintosh amps ... beyond their legendary build quality and reliability , I really don’t understand what attracts people ... the only Mcintosh amps I would consider are the old vintage tube devices ... these sounded really good but as soon as Mcintosh went SS it was a lot less interesting...

@axpert @hilde45 @elliottbnewcombjr @bigkidz @richdirector

I specified that I did not want tubes in the output stage and I have my reasons for doing so. BTW I’ve had a few tube amps when I was young: Harman Kardon Citation II, Leak (TL 12), Quad II, Dynaco St-70 ... Each one sounded absolutely fabulous on my Altec VOT, which is by far the best speaker I’ve own ... I remember that these amps gave off a LOT of heat and required REGULAR maintenance ... I also had to change tubes and, in the 1980s, you had to find them first, which was not easy and could be expensive ... A matched pair of KT-88s cost $ 300 back then ($ 600 today) ... What I’m trying to say is that I know what a good tube amp sounds like and if I made the choice not to have one, I have my reasons. Thank you for respecting it!

I had the croft and it is excellent but your speakers so sensitive I would look at a leben cs300 SH which is slightly sweeter than the croft. 

A bit more follow up; - - - - Getting back to my recommendation of BLACK ICE AUDIO,  in as much as you have such enormously efficient speakers, You could save a little more money and go with the F11 integrated amp. Same marvelous sonics as the F22 and F35, same outstanding build but quite a bit less money than the F22. The power band would be perfect for your system.

On another note:  The CAYIN which I saw mentioned, is a very excellent performing amplifier. The latest version of the A88T is also beautifully built but the price is definitely out if your range. I wouldn't recommend a used one. Furthermore I would think carefully before going to a China based company. With the world situation as it is today. if you ever had a failure issue, I can't imagine what you would have to go through.  BLACK ICE AUDIO is the new parent of Jolida Don't get them confused however. With the integration of Jim Fozgate's designs, the new BLACK ICE amplifiers are so much better than the best Jolida ever offered, - - Well, there is simply no comparison. 

A close friend of mine just took delivery on an F22 with EL34's. Right out of the box, he is totally blown away by the reproduction. That's about all I can say.

Also curious about this little gem: https://www.erhard-audio.com/Basie.html

Loved the Quicksilver integrated and with 101db speakers, those 20wpc are going to sound delightful. I know you said tubes only in preamp side, but...it's such an amazing value. Seriously.

Another vote for Vincent, I have the SA 31 MK / Sp 331 MK pre power amps but the integrated's are also very nice. 

Hello alaindexe!  Too much power?  Don't be afraid of "power." 100 watts is only 10 db louder than 10 watts. 10 watts is only 10 db louder than 1 watt. Do you have something with meters on it? Watch those meters during the music you normally play. Do they dance or stay pretty steady? When the drum goes boom, do the needles jump? Lots of power doesn't hurt. whan an amp is loafing, it isn't distorting much at all. Better sound. Check out the NAD amps. The Sphinx is a good choice too. Can you find a used one? Happy listening!

go  used. the field enlarges

Vincent Audio makes a SV-200 hybrid that lists for 1,000 US. 25wpc. Sold by Sudio Advisor. They have them on clearance for $850.

Just a thought. 

McIntosh MC 7100  not just a decent amp,  but spectacular   Used 1k to less than 2k.    I personally have one and have used it since the 90's  rarely has it been off.  Works fantastic now just as it did when new.  I will have it forever.  Just my two cents worth.

I am very happy with my Cayin A88T

this is what convinced me

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/cayin/a88t.html

if you search, you probably can find a new one just within your budget.

I bought a used one, they are very solidly made.

+1 wyred 4 sound  sti1000v2

With 100db you only need a maximum of say 5 watts My friend purchased a Raven Audio integrated amp 20wpc and it was nicer than the Line Magnetics. Don’t ask me the models I don’t know but he has also been looking for a nice integrated amp. He was pleased with the amp for the price.  We don't make integrated amps only power amps and preamps so I cannot build you one at this point in time.

I had this combo (with matching faceplates) which was heavenly with Omega Super 3XRS’s but recently moved overseas so I regrettably sold it

With 100 dB speakers, I would look for an SET int amp, a Nelson Amp Camp Amp, or a Dennis Sanderson Fleawatt amp.  I have had several Fleawatt amps and you’ll be very surprised how little you are giving up in sound quality compared to SET amps, and you’ll save a ton of money too.

Ah, re-reading your post and see you don’t want the heat of Class A and tubes.  Go check out http://fleawatt.blogspot.com

@bob540 : I believe the Audiolab wouldn't be an improvement on my actual amp which is a Sugden A25B.

@brandonfin : not a bad idea but I believe the Naim is quite similar to my actual amp, a Sugden A25B. there wouldn't be a major improvement

@mazian : that's what I'm planning on doing unless someone has a better idea.

@dustyb13 : I believe the Arcam wouldn't be an improvement on my actual amp which is a Sugden A25B.

@axpert : as mentionned previously, I don't want tubes in the output section.

@charles7 : look at previous comment.

@cakyol : I though about the Schitt and even went online to check them out but dropped the idea, I don't remember why...

@hickamore : as mentionned in my post, I don't want an integrated full of features that I don't need...

The PS Audio Sprout 100 is under 1k, includes both a DAC and a phono section. Amazing functionality in a tiny package. Connect a streamer and/or TT/CD/Tuner/Cassette, add bookshelves/monitors and a small sub, and you've got real hi-fi for a smallish room.

If you could somehow forego your integrated requirement, you could get an absolutely fantastic system with Schiit Vidar (2x100W) + Schiit Freya S + Schiit Modius/Bifrost for almost exactly $2k.

This is also future proof so that in the future, if you decide to change to less efficient and bigger speakers, you could add another Vidar and use them in bridged mode to get 2 x 400Watts, for only an extra $700.

BLACK ICE AUDIO - Integrated amplifier F22 with EL34's 

Check with WALLY @ UNDERWOOD HI-FI . You should be able to negotiate a deal for around $1500.00 shipped and delivered.

This is one of Jim Fozgate's new creations. Reports are pretty much spectacular.

It is capable of upgrading to 6550'S, KT88's, KT120's and even KT150's. Can produce as much refined power as you'll need.

Check out the BLACK ICE AUDIO website for more info.

Maybe consider one of the Audiolab integrateds — 6000a at 50 watts per channel, 8 ohms, 75 at 4 ohms; if you need more power, the 8300a at 75 watts/ch. They have positive reviews.

"Look at ...Quicksilver Integrated." +1

It doesn't get very hot -- I can place my hand on it with no problem. The design uses a good number of tubes, but not the huge ones, and it drives each tube well within its parameters, which means long life for them.

And the sound is great.

SA series Arcam.  I'm very happy with my SA20

Go with the Belles.

Consider a used Naim Audio Supernait (original).

Great sound, more than enough power for your speakers, and less than 2k for a good used one. (Original MSRP over 4k USD)

How about an Atoll IN50 Signature?  French made and priced very conservatively.  You don't hear much about them, but when I started seeing them in audio shops that carry lots of high end stuff, I started asking about them.  I have yet to hear anyone have anything bad to say about Atoll.

Check out the ps audio sprout 100

I have a Vincent SV500 with Klipsch Kg4's and stream with a node 2i.

 Great sound stage 

@dill  : a few years ago, I did try a Pathos One for a while and it was pretty good... 

@dill good call on the Pathos I forgot about them.

I have a Pathos Classic One MKIII and have enjoyed it for many years, worth a consideration.

@alaindexe,

Look at the Schiit Ragnarok integrated amp. Sixty watts per channel. Also, selectable gain.

https://www.schiit.com/products/ragnarok-1

@joey54 : I have specified that I didn't want tube in the power section... it creates too much heat in the summer... only in the preamp section, I am willing to «deal» with tubes ...

If you can live without a remote the Quicksilver integrated is a vey special amp that sounds great and is super reliable. It will have no trouble driving your speakers.  Also, made in the USA. Good Luck!