best budget integrated amp for rock n roll music?

All the comments are worth noting. I had the Audio Refinement Complete for about 1 year, and it was a marvelous unit sonically and functionally. I sold it and bought the Mcintosh MA 6450 integrated amp...WOW!! The Mac has phenomenal sound, build quality, and function. I wanted the exotic, imported, audiophile brands, and the best unit was right here in the good ol' U.S.A. Go listen to, and operate a Mcintosh. Worth every dollar, and then some.

Best Regards,
Bennett

I could add the Densen Beat series... have also liked the "rocking" abilities of the rega, cyrus, & mfd -- but pls note, I have never listened to any of these machines with your speakers!

Finally, a (very) long shot: a used model "RG9" made by Symphonic Line. I has great sound & excellent rocking abilities -- and it's pricey, new.
Hence the long shot!

The Mistral is a bad little man. A couple years ago I heard it with a CD12 driving a pair of $4500 Ruark 3-ways, and, man, great tone, very potent, and smooth. They never told me the price of it, but I would of died if they said, "$995". I bought the pre a few months ago, used, based on on that audition. Great products. Good to see Mistral getting some lip service.

I love the Puccini but it's strength is not speed and bass kick, so not for the rock and roll lover. For more natural sounding music (classical, jazz, voice), it's hard to beat.
--a

FS Audio's comments on the Mistral are consistent with my own experience. I've tried many inexpensive integrateds (NAD, Denon..) and also Magnum Dynalab 208 (Stereophile Class A) and that one from Italy (Audio Analogue I think). These ranged from good to extremely good but the Mistral is the first solid state amp I've ever heard that has the presence and palpability of tube gear, and without rolling off high end at all. It softens the bass just a little. I have had this unit for a couple of weeks and I'm still in shock over how good it is. It is VERY present and lifelike. The only hint of a flaw I can discern so far is a slight emphasis on lower treble and that slight softening of bass. My tube monoblocks do have a bit more weight and slightly more relaxed, but the Mistral is fantastic, a real keeper. The sound is so liquid and beguiling I can't believe it's solid state. BTW, I have the LE version of the Mistral.

I feel that FS Audio is also correct in stating that they should have been clear about being a Mistral dealer when they made their original comments. Any dealer commenting on a product that they sell should mention that in the comment, period. I'm glad to see they realize that.

Art