Best sounding "budget" integrated amp for Vandersteen 2C.

Thank you all for the great recommendations! I have a lot of options to think about.

In my original post, I indicated NAD. But, I had been thinking about the Yamaha A-S models as well... 301, 500, 501, etc. I’m glad there were a lot of responses on those Yammy models, as I was curious as to what they really sounded like--compared to NAD, Rotel, as well as the British integrateds from Creek, Arcam and Rega.

Also, I may have some add’l funds to add to my budget as I just sold an extra CDP I had and was not really using it anymore. This might afford a new A-S501 or used A-S700. Or new NAD 326BEE or used Rega Brio R. 

Other than the addition of a DAC, are there any SONIC differences between the Yamaha A-S501 and A-S500? 

What about an Acurus DIA-100?

Currently demo-ing a Rega Brio-R. 

Update:
Have been running the Brio-R since last Friday. Sounds good, but seems a little soft. My current cables are Mogami. I swapped them out for a pair of Kimber 4tc (blue) I had stored away. The sound immediately opened up. However, I still do not have the punch I want. Of all the british integrateds I've owned (Creek 4330SE, 5350SE, Exposure 2010s, Naim Nait 5i, Roksan Kandy MKIII and now the Brio-R) the Creeks have had the bottom end punch. But, with using the british gear with the vandersteens, I've always had to use other cable other than the Mogamis. I recall when I had a Creek 4330SE with a Naim CD3.5, I was using DH Labs Q10 with Air Matrix interconnects. Again, the Mogamis were too soft with that combo. The mogamis are supposed to be a very neutral cable, and I wonder if they are telling me the gear is wrong when they cannot be used?  

My last power source before trying the Brio-r was an vintage Kenwood KR-5030. It was 60wpc, but it was one of those models that had the low end punch. It sounded good and I was using the Mogamis.

Curious now about low end punch in the Yammy A-S series? I'm sure NAD has the low end punch. I see another person had mentioned the Acurus DIA-100. Although, with that I would have to get a phono preamp, which isn't a big deal. 

helomech, 
Interesting comments regarding the Yammy... 🤔

jafant,
yeah, you may be right about that.

I found a yammy dealer somewhat near me who sells the A-S series. Gonna give them a call and inquire about a demo. Also, a local audio buddy of mine (who has been buying/selling audio gear for quite some time) has picked up a Kenwood KA-8050. This is apparently one of the more formidable vintage kennys, as it is a High Speed DC with 120wpc. He got it from the original owner and its in excellent condition. Any thoughts on this? That kind of power should wake up the vandys...

Any thoughts on the Yamaha A-S1000?  Looks like there is someone selling one "local" to me... in Virginia.  From my initial reading on Yamaha's website, the 1000 is a considerable leap from the A-S500?

Update: 
Ended up spending a little more and bought an audio friend's McCormack Micro power amp and matching Micro preamp. Sound is awesome. I had tried the Kenwood KR-8050, which sounded really good too (although a little flat) but nothing like the McCormack stuff. Also, the 8050 was too much receiver for my space. The 8050 would've been ideal in a larger room, but the Mack is more than enough for my 2nd bedroom system location. I'm currently using Mogami W3082 speaker wire and Mogami interconnects on it and it sounds great. Curious what the Mogami W3103 would do? I'm also comparing with some Kimber 4tc I have. 

McCormack and Vandersteen are a great match, enjoy!

Yes, I've seen this statement many times in my research/readings. 
Now that I have the power/pre set up, next is to make sure I'm using the right sounding cables. I'm currently using Mogami W3082 I got at Redco and Mogami 2549 as interconnects. John Rutan suggested Audioquest CV-4 speaker cable and AQ Red River for interconnects. I found (and bought) some used CV-4 and I installed it into my system last night. Frankly, I'm not sure if I heard a difference. But, John said to give it some playing time before judging. 

Update: 
AQ CV-4's have opened up nicely...
And yes, there is a difference between them and the mogami's. Also picked up a pair of AQ Golden Gate for my streamer DAC (HRT iStreamer). Damn! that cable is a noticeable improvement!

Next up is the AQ Red Rivers for Pwr/Pre and CD, then the proper stands (sound anchors) for the Vandys.