Amplifier recommendation

Odyssey Audio - Sonic bargain (very few of those) great reviews.
Audio by Van Alstine - high value, also has used gear on their website.  
Orchard Starkrimson - another option, fair/good reviews 

+1 @ozzy62 - be aware that some used amps need the extra cost of recapping to fix worn out parts

@highend64 

The 1582MKII is the one I’ve listened to. It shares the same characteristics of the 1590. It sounds great.

I believe the addition of balanced inputs was the biggest change to the 1582MKII from the original. They share the same overall design.

Cheers,

Scott

@kennyc Thanks! I heard great things about the Odyssey amps. What are you thoughts on the Khartago model compare to the Stratos model? They seem to have similar topology with the exception of more PS caps capacity on the Stratos model.

@samac the balanced connection is a plus. 

@highend64 

sorry, but I do not own.  However, the last 8yrs I’ve been deep researching for my analog + digital chain so I have extensive lists (OCD?) of good/great mostly current components. Demoed much gear at audio stores and audio shows.  My goal was to find the “subjectively” best sonics, then try to build my system to match within budget.

There is a lot of fantastic gear..for a price, also high value gear.  But gear that meets “bargain” sonics that punch way above their price point, is scarce.  I can maybe think of 5 or so I would truly classify as a bargain.

What I do know, is that Magico’s Alon Wolf, who makes some of the very best speakers, uses the Khartago  here

I am going to throw in 4 to the mix. All different:

1. Gato Audio. To get to the budget you have look at their DIA 250. Used. This is class D. I have their AMP150 - Class AB. From Denmark.

2. Hegel. Again for your budget I would say H390. I think from Norway.

3. Vincent Audio. From Germany. I have SV200. It is their smallest integrated- hybrid. You could look at some of their other models. They are affordable even new.

4. Akitika. This one is a curve ball. Made in the US. Usually a DIY amp but also available fully fully assembled. I acquired one recently - assembled- with volume control. It works like a dream. Very very affordable- around $600. You would be surprised.

regards,

Manu