Another vote for Rogue Sphinx. I would say it stands pretty tall in this group of amps. IMO.
Smooth sounding integrated
I’m looking for a smooth sounding solid state integrated amp that is not muffled sounding for less the $1000. Is there anything like this? Years ago I had a Denon stereo receiver that sounded pleasant for tv and movies in our lively family room. A lot has changed since then and would like to try going down this road again, but with a better integrated amp for the family room.