Integrated amp recommendation

Of the most frequently recommended integrateds in this thread, several are above the $1,500 price point (up from $1,000), such as Plinius, Parasound, Belles Aria and Musical Fidelity. Of the others that meet the robust power requirement, Rogue Sphinx and Ayre AX7e are doable. This is my entry into higher-quality equipment, so I would prefer to start the so-called journey at a relatively reasonable price level.

The adjectives I used above included natural, detailed and transparent. I probably would want to add a little more warmth to the extent possible given the room characteristics.

OK, I can do that if compelling. So what do you suggest at $1500?

Thanks.

These are great suggestions, thank you! I am researching and looking primarily on the second-hand market, with mixed results in terms of availability. Am a little nervous about that, just had an unhappy experience on Reverb.com.

Is it a fair statement that vintage integrateds are not considered a worthy option here?

Thank you, jjss49, for that. They all look really good. To my ears, my Piega speakers are clean and clear, but not brash. Also given a bigger, relatively bare room, it seems to me that a little more warmth plus plenty of power for those 4 ohm speakers is the ticket.Does that seem right?

Concerning Belles speaker power ratings questioned above:

Aria: 75W (Rms) per channel into 8 ohms, 125W (Rms) per channel into 4 ohms.

Aria Signature: 125W per channel into 8 ohms, 225W watts into 4 ohms.

Thank you, dcyyz, for your response. Helpful and supportive. I'm moving along, spending way too much time exploring the (for me) unknowable.

Stanleylocke,

Could be either hybrid or solid state. Right now, the focus is on ensuring that the amp has enough power for the speakers. Thanks.

I bought a Musical Fidelity M6i today. Thank you to all for your insights and recommendations!