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

lower end hegel unit

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649748343-hegel-h90/

stretching a little will be worth it in this case

Thanks all! I’ll investigate. I should also say that I don’t need USB, digital, Bluetooth, etc. Just something simple for my turntable that will sound great. I'm interested in vintage options too...

"...Nikko NR-719 tuner..."

Just to be clear that model Nikko is a receiver not just a tuner I think (Nikko made a couple of nice tuners back in the day, btw).
The LS-50s like a little juice so you want a powerful integrated amp. I'll suggest my normal pick, the Musical Fedelity M3si but better yet would be a M5si. You would be very happy with those. 

Try and find a pre owned
Belles Aria like this


https://www.google.com/search?q=belles+aria&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=isvn&source=...
Enjoy 
JohnnyR

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.

I used to have the Cambridge audio CXA60, which was a really nice looking and decent sounding amp with a good DAC on board. 

Then I upgraded to separates (Odyssey Khartago extreme monoblocks) and a tube pre and the difference was significant. I really like the Odyssey amps and would recommend looking into the Tempest integrated that sells for about 1100 I think.

This REGA should fit the bill!
https://www.musicdirect.com/integrated-amp/Rega-Brio-2017-Integrated-Amplifier?utm_source=bing&u...

Arcam SA10 has the digital and phono hookup you need.About $800 new. It's predecessor, the FMJ-A19 was often used as a source for the LS 50's by What HIFI. Those can be had on the used market for $400 to $600. Great phono section, but no digital.

https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/amplifiers/pm8006

I had a Marantz PM8005 that I really enjoyed for several years before upgrading to tube. The current model is the PM8006 at $1100.  I would check to see if you can find a used PM8005 or PM8006 somewhere.  I sold my PM8005 for $650.

Rogue Audio sphinx is a great option for you as well. New they're like 1600 but there's at least one for sale on here.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisab5i4-rogue-audio-sphnix-v2-hybrid-integrated-amplifier-black-w...

op

my suggestion of the hegel is solely for the quality of its amp section ... consider the dac and streaming features freebies

* * * * *

@audioconnection

op said -- "I’m looking to spend somewhere between $500-$1000."

johnny, if you have a used belles aria available for under a grand i would like to buy it :)

The Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated is really nice. 
I got one 2 months ago and have now sold off my preamp and power amp....no regrets.
Its very musical, outputs a clean 110 wpc @ 8 ohms, mm/mc phonostage, bass management, a good burr-brown DAC and a back-lit remote that gives you full control over bass, treble, balance, sub-gain, even a sub on/off. I do a lot of low-level listening so the tone controls can come in handy. 
Parasound has been experiencing component shortages the last few months making this integrated amp almost impossible to find. It's supposed to be back in stock by mid-late Summer. In the mean time the one for $900 that Bkeske mentioned is a great deal.

I'm going to go ahead and suggest what I bought 2 years ago and it is still giving me great sound.

The Vincent SV-500 Hybrid Integrated. 

Simple looks in Black or Silver.

Slightly above your suggested budget but worth it in my opinion. 

The Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 is worth adding to your list. It has a phono input, analogue input, plus Internet radio and streaming AND Room Correction! It sounds fantastic for the money and will optimise the speakers for your room - no brainer 👍

Rotel A series, A-11, A-12 and A-14 are all nice afforable Integrated Amps. If you need digital inputs, the 12 and the 14 have 2ea of opt and coax. I believe the 11 has all rca inputs.

Plenty of good recommendations.  If you have a MM cartridge, consider the Heed Elixir.  Over budget, but you have good speakers and I would advise you not to cheap out too much or you will hear it.  My advice is to buy new so you have dealer support and warranty and spend a bit more to get something you will like a few years down the road. 

A little patience will be required if one isn't listed but look for a used, Rega Elex R.  That speaker likes a little power are needs about 70w of good quality current to sound great.  The Brio is a little shy of what you need in terms of power but will match brilliantly with the Kefs.  

All good choices above.
Personally, I'd pick up a vintage Marantz or Luxman from the '70s.
I own several that I use as described in your opening post, I've not had any issues.

how much volume/power do you need?

Your speakers are low efficiency, only 85 db, which means more power is needed for the same volume level than more efficient speaker designs. I presume you are using the KEF’s in a situation where a lot of volume is not needed. If so, amp power will not be an issue. I am doing well in my small office, low 87 db sensitivity and only 10 wpc tube amp.

For a main system, larger space, more volume needed, many of us recommend trying for higher efficiency speakers, near or above 90 db. Then lower powered amps, especially lower powered TUBE amps can be used if desired.

Less power = less heat; less size and weight; more placement options; and presumably less money.
.....................................
Do you now, or might you sometime add a sub?

IF you select an amp or integrated amp, try to get one with pre-out/main in, or a tape loop, or a processor loop (any line level out/in loop). That will let you send the line level signal out to a self-powered sub with it’s own crossover and amp for the low bass. The sub will send the line level without the low bass to your amp’s main in. Now your amp does not need to make low bass, and the less efficient speakers also don’t need to try and make low bass.

I planned on doing that, but made an improper assumption my little Luxman had that, it doesn’t. I’m ok in this small office, but not in a larger space with inefficient speakers. Vintage Luxmans usually have pre-out/main-in, this new SQ-N150 does not.

this NAD has a nice appearance as well as built-in MM Phono

https://www.ebay.com/itm/193870577638?epid=10022973142&hash=item2d23963fe6:g:hGcAAOSwYjdgFLpJ

A 'hot-rodded' Rotel

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154508138880?hash=item23f9671980:g:be8AAOSwM9lg1TPN

there's some fun stuff on eBay, anyone know about NEC brand's reliability?

this one has both MM and MC Phono built in

https://www.ebay.com/itm/133700339504?hash=item1f21294730:g:OrMAAOSwxrFgV15x

this compact minimalist rega with phono would look great with your KEF speakers

https://www.ebay.com/itm/114309536201?hash=item1a9d6119c9:g:CPkAAOSwMmRfEfYr

hmmmm,

that Nikko model # you called a tuner is a receiver. Will you want/need radio?

I also own Kef LS50s which are powered by a Bryston B60R integrated amp. I'm quite happy with that combo but if I was looking, the Rega Brio would be a strong consideration.

Rega IO or Brio new. Or Rega Elex-R used.

croft integrated and it has a very nice phono pre!

I have KEF LS50 Meta powered by Rotel A11 Tribute ($800).
The synergy between the two is out of this world, just shocking!
The sound is incredibly musical and pulls you in every time. 

Vista Audio Spark + Schiit Mani will do the trick nicely. (Presuming the LS50s are used near field / small space)

For the money, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better integrated for that money the the Acurus DIA100MKll is a wonderful sounding integrated with plenty of power and wonderful dynamics’s. Read the reviews.

this popped up, you would need a separate phono stage

https://www.ebay.com/itm/324692444385?hash=item4b992d84e1:g:p1gAAOSwjQZg0yWv

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/tas-195-vincent-audio-v-60-integrated-amplifier

For the money, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better integrated for that money the the Acurus DIA100MKll is a wonderful sounding integrated with plenty of power and wonderful dynamics’s. Read the reviews.

maybe 'for the money' it is ok, but i had one of these in the 90's and it and my totem 1's were so harsh sounding the system was unlistenable, proverbial bleeding ears ... i jumped ship within a month

I agree, I also had Acurus and to me it was very bright, just painful to listen to.

I was using Acurus with  Aerial Acoustics speakers which cannot be blamed for the bright sound. 

Anything from Line Magnetic will have that cool vibe and sound wonderful. 22 watts runs my inefficient bookshelves quite effortlessly. Here’s a link to something in your price range. No comment on the vendor as I have no experience with them.   

Have a look at a Peachtree Audio Nova 150. You should be able to pick one up used within your budget.  I drove my LS50s with one for several years, before I upgraded to separates (Purifi based amp, paired with a Schiit tube preamp). 

Just my 2-cents/experience...of the several well thought of integrated amps I have owned, my favorite was actually a receiver, the Magnum Dynalab MD-208....I must have liked it because after moving on to other things I ended up buying it again............twice.  Either that or I thought it was like an ex and would be better the second time around.  

+1 Rega Brio or used Rega Elex-R.

Thanks everyone for all these great leads. A lot to explore! I'm intrigued by that Vincent V-60, I'm going to take a closer look at it. (And, you mentioned that I'd need a separate phono stage for it... but if it's an integrated amp, doesn't that mean that I don't need a pre-amp?) (I'm sorry, I know that this probably sounds very ignorant! I'm new to all of this...)

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

Ah, got it. I'd thought that a phono stage was the same thing as a pre-amp. I think I need to take a class to learn this stuff.

Marantz PM-8006

op

Ah, got it. I’d thought that a phono stage was the same thing as a pre-amp. I think I need to take a class to learn this stuff.

here is a place to start... good luck...

https://www.gearpatrol.com/tech/audio/a35915520/home-audio-equipment-guide/

and remember... an ’integrated’ amp integrates a number of basic functions... so a question to ask is what functions do you need in that box that is the integrated amp you are seeking

Rega IO. I just picked up this lovely little integrated up @ $599.00 new, delivered. All I can say is wow! On board phono preamp, with 2 additional inputs. The phono is very nice indeed. With a newly purchased new Rega DAC-R (inbound streamed digital from MacBook Air) and Linn LP12 turntable outbound to ProAC speakers, it’s an all British system. Rega IO.
Edit: As others have referenced, the Rega Brio-R would be a great choice as well. 😎. More power than Rega IO, it has the all important phono preamp built in (as with the IO) and 2 more additional inputs if you should need them. Got Rega?

Out of the box- Musical Fidelity a3.2 integrated amp.  110wpc with an excellent phono stage.  Dual mono construction, and excellent sound.  Built to last another 20yrs.

Marantz has several very well regarded integrated amps that would be within your price range.

I currently have the Acurus DIA100 mkI partnered with Monitor Audio R700MD’s and I completely disagree with those above who said the mkII is bright.  The mkI, or at least my mkI, is in no way bright sounding at all, (although, I have read that sounding bright is the knock on some of these DIA’s).  
Mine is very beefy, sweet, and transparent sounding and I may be looking to sell it as I am moving overseas in a few months.  I am considering a smaller shoe-boxed size integrated.

I recently bought a Willsenton R8 integrated from China after it received very solid reviews. All hand wired KT88 integrated. I’m very happy. It’s my second KT88 integrated. I’m acquiring a collection. Great $1000 investment. 
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U0BDFT4f55w

As the owner of two pair of LS 50s, I can tell you that they definitely benefit from serious amplification. The Rogue Sphinx suggestion seems like a good one to me.