No frills balanced ss integrated amp?


Interested in what the membership recommends for a great sounding solid state integrated amp strictly for two channel audio.  Something that excels at the basics.  Parasound Halo seems well-regarded but the "no frills" modifier is included to try and avoid exactly such "all in one designs"; i.e., DON'T want something with DAC, phono pre, subwoofer control, tone controls, multi-channel output etc., etc..  Budget in the $2500-$3000 range.  Have a Hegel H200 now.  Don't ask why I'm thinking about another.  Not sure I can explain.  New preferred but would definitely consider used (esp., if still in production).  Thanks for the input.  
128x128ghosthouse
Thanks to all for the quick replies. Responding individually below though probably won’t continue to do so going forward.

@gdhal
I appreciate your mention of the M6si despite the phono pre and DAC. Why I’m shopping "no frills" is I hate paying for something I don’t need. For the same price and assuming similar profit margins, prefer my $ going into something more "focused". Regardless, I’ll see what I can learn about that M6. Thanks again.

@inna
I saw your Redgum note. It’s deleted now. Know the brand but nothing about their products. I’m happy to look at their range even if they aren’t an exact match to what I’m thinking right now. Different vs step-change better can still be fun and newly revealing when listening to a given piece of music.

@jond
Thanks for the LFD nomination, Jon. Came across the brand when I was looking to see if anyone had posted this question before. Don’t know ’em at all. Will investigate. Love window shopping.

@nonoise
Always had a "soft spot" for Marantz though I never owned any of their gear! Appreciate your input.


There are two Plinius integrateds available here. Either one would fit your needs with an emphasis on the Hautonga.
Yeah, I pushed the wrong button when wanted to add something and then got distracted. I was going to say that I talked to them a few times, and they were very nice and understanding. Among other things I asked them about modifications, I was thinking about slightly boosting the gain and making a preamp out output. I have an original 16 years old model that doesn't have it. They said it was possible but would cost. I have abandoned these ideas since but not because of the cost. Redgum integrateds have a passive preamp section.
I suppose, there are many excellent SS integrateds in this price range, including LFD, especially if you get them used, but even new. The Redgum I have is slightly on the warm side but it is not warm sounding, very pleasant sound signature. And I really like dual volume controls, that's very audiophile approach.