Sub $2,000 Integrated Amp Recommendations

Just and update on my decision. I compared the Music Fidelity A1, Arcam a25, and the HiFi Rose 280 recently to pair with my Klipsch Forte IVs. Rose was the most detailed, largest sound stage, but sounded the most etched and the bass didn't show up until upper 80s-90 db. The sub out on the amp was the weakest of the bunch. The sound was engaging and the amp is fast and cool looking in person, but the amp got fatiguing with my speakers. It does have a really nice phono stage.

The Arcam had a smooth overall sound and much less fatiguing than the Rose. Really good bass control and probably gripped the Forte's woofers the best. Phono stage was average. The Arcam played well at all volumes and has nice dynamics. My only complaint was that the mids felt a little tame and overall sound could feel safe or neutral with maybe more emphasis in the bass and upper treble when the amp turned up to louder levels. 

The Music Fidelity A1 didn't have the same detail as the rose and arcam, but what it had that the other two amps didn't was weight and thickness to the sound that won me over pretty quickly. I never felt like I couldn't hear into the music and pick out details, but that the amp doesn't favor detail like the Rose did to my ears and the arcam to a lesser extent. The A1 sounded the most holistic and made me want to listen for longer periods of time and was just a more engaging experience. The amp doesn't really change its characteristics either as you turn the amp up or down, which i really like about it. The phono stage also is excellent. Not as quiet as the Rose, but close and sounds fantastic with my Mobile Fidelity Master Tracker MM cartridge. The Forte's midrange and bass sound fantastic with this amp and the horned tweeter never gets harsh. The speed of the amp is great too. I was skeptical but intrigued by all the glowing reviews of this unit, but I highly recommend it. I personally prefer the weight warmth this amp gives any music you play through it. If you're into that sound, its a bargain of an amp especially if you get an open box deal at $1,400. If you have efficient speakers that can be bright on the high end, then I think this is a great option. If you're worried about the heat, I don't think its that bad for a class A amp. Just turn the amp up loud and it won't have to dissipate as much heat through the heat sink. :) 

Full disclosure, I am selling this unit over on USAM but the Simaudio Moon ACE is worth considering.  Integrated 50 wpc with DAC and Streamer (including Apple Airplay) and MIND 2 Sim app.  It worked great but I wanted to switch out to Sim separates.  Absolute Sound has a review.

thanks @chrisroot76 for the update, this is a very useful thread!

Well, I am late to respond but I congratulate you on your decision. I was thinking that, with your budget, the A1 would be a great SS choice for your speakers.