Another "Best" amplifier Question.


Hope I'm not beating on the old horse too hard. I had originally intended to buy The now discontinued KEF r3s but ended up with the new Meta instead. Very pleased so far but still in burn-in mode on days wife not working from home. 

Given my age, I intend for this to be my end game system (yea right). As per my previous post, system is the new R3 Metas, Bluesond Node, Technics SL-1200 MK2 with Ortofon Red, Sony UBP-X800M2 Blueray/CD and a Sony 55" XBR. No home theater set-up just seeking better audio from TV. Also Have an HSU VT1 sub. All feeding from a Yamaha R-N500 Receiver. System is hooked up to gigabit internet sevice  and I listen mainly to Amazon Ultra HD music. All in all, not a high end system but somewhat better than box store IMHO.

I feel I need to replace the receiver as it not the best power choice for the KEFs. In researching, I've hit that deer in the headlights point where I'm frozen and overwhelmed by choices. Right up front I need to establish that my budget is around $2k. Only local dealer I consider audiophile carries Lyngdorf, Atoll, Marantz, NAD and Boulder. He is really pushing The Atoll IN-100 but says the Lyngforf doesn't have enough grunt. Did not even discuss Marantz or NAD and Boulder is in another universe. Atoll lacks phono but can be added at extra cost.

Online choices that intrigue me most: Emotive BASX A2/PT2 combo. Lots of features and power. Can be had (w/ first time buyer discount) for about $1100. Yamaha A-S1200 or Marantz 30 are available open box or refurb for my price range as is a JBLSA750. The JBL has a strong amp and interesting feature set including room correction. I'm probably missing many choices but I'm interested in a high currebt and from communicating with KEF, best to have something thats comfortable driving up to 150 watts into 4 ohms.

Lots of knowledge laden people so I'm looking forward to some solid advice. Thanks in advance.

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Hooked up the M80 this afternoon and running it off my Bluesound Node. All I can say right now is WOW! Dialed up Amazon Ultra HD and played "My Father's house" by Emmylou Harris and "Ballad of the Runaway horse" by Jennifer Warnes. The depth and power of the bass (without subwoofer) and the clarity of the mids was amazing. This was at normal listening levels. I'm mightally impressed so far with my bargain amp.

I have been a long-time owner of Emotiva mono-block amplifiers. I have been pleased with the sound of my system. Emotiva is best known for its amplifiers. A bonus of being US assembled.

 

That being said, for a few years now I have seriously pondered a change to the Schiit. Though not a Schiit owner, I too would consider a nice new pile of Schiit for your system. :)  Also, a bonus of being US assembled.

No longer in hunt for amp or integrated. Now ISO of a preamp to complement my Bluesound node feeding my M80 power amp. Need one with phono input preferably,