More about integrateds

so what is budget and how much power is needed (and to drive what)

Strange post…. Is that a question. 
 

between the 2 I say Yamaha. 

yes between the 2

Rogue Sphinx.

Belles. 

forced to choose i would take the yamaha

both are lowest quartile choices imo among good sounding integrateds

My first and only Yamaha is a CR-1040 Receiver 80wpc. 

took it apart to replace the dial lights, appears very well built!

Sounds darn good, playing two pairs of speakers.

aside from features, you have options to save money with the Yamaha. returns, reconditioned, used, better chance to find an open box with a warranty.

6 moons reviewed it

https://6moons.com/audioreviews2/yamaha/1.html

I just read that 6 moons review, high praise, especially for it's 'pure direct' mode

In conclusion, Yamaha have created a product with wide appeal that acknowledges legacy support but moves boldly forward. This integrated not only gets the basics right, it manages points of performance generally reserved for the much higher spread. The A-S801 is a powerful, versatile component with the inherent character of a format-leading Sabre DAC and a detailed, energetic SS amp. There’s a whole lot to like. If the asking price were higher, it would still compete but Yamaha have chosen an extremely aggressive ask. At below $1’000 Canadian it could shake up the marketplace if people just paid attention. So audiophile snobs, you've been served. The A-S801 pounds hard on that HighEnd door. I think I hear the wood splintering.

If power is not an issue, what difference, why not less expensive A-S501? I didn't read about it, it just popped up

Never yamaha.

Never Peachtree. 

🤣

Belles Aria.

$2K plus vs $600?

I just received an 801 and am comparing it side-by-side with my existing Line Magnetic 518ia. The latter costs about 5x the former. The latter is a beautifully-made tube integrated with amazing 845s as drivers. The former is a solid state that I got so I could at times listen without having to warm up tubes for a half hour.

Yes, the Yamaha is more thin and less solid than the LM, but it sounds full and plentiful for what it is. It could use a sub, but I don't really need it in my small listening room. Simply put, the Yamaha sounds nice and satisfying.

Associated equipment:

Reference 3A de Capo BE

Hagerman Trumpet phono stage

Oppo 105 BDP 

NAD 468 turntable with Hana ML cartridge

DIY cables

assorted room treatments and tweaks

Yamawatts always disappoint.

@fstein so what did you go with?