Best Integrated Amp (for me)

That is a lot to ask in that price range, but the first one that comes to mind would be the Parasound Newclassic 200 Integrated Amplifier. New, it just a touch over $1,000 @ $1,200, But good luck finding one available. There is one used listed here for $900.

Another would be the PS Audio Sprout.

Here is a link to a recent review, but he also provides alternatives which, in his opinion, sound better overall in that general price range.

https://youtu.be/qEASsQ06SCQ

Well, if you are open to vintage, I would look at Sansui, Kenwood, Marantz, Pioneer, Yamaha, Luxman, Accuphase, Harmon-Kardon, etc.

But, really, companies like Yamaha and Marantz (and many others) also make current integrated amp models that you may like, and are in your budget range. I’m a separates guy, so don’t keep up on the newest integrated models in that price range, and don’t know them off the top off my head. These all have their own ‘flavor’ in sound, so it would be best to audition them if you could. If in the US, a place like Magnolia/Best Buy may be a good place to visit. I’m sure there are many newer good models I am not aware of that may work for you. Personally, I would probably go towards the Parasound I mentioned, or as was also mentioned, a used Hegel would be hard to beat. Rega also makes a couple small form factor integrated amps that seems to get high marks from users, and are also in your budget-range.

Just have to make sure you have enough ‘grunt’ to drive your LS50’s easily and get the most from them. Current and damping factor are probably more important than pure watts.

And another new integrated I forgot to mention was the IOTAVX SA3. Pretty inexpensive, but highly rated.

Some preamps do not have a phono stage, or phono pre, included. Mine does not, but I prefer a separate phono pre anyway.