Looking at $2kish integrateds.

I'm thinking about splurging and mixing things up a bit in my family room which is currently setup for mostly HT. I want to improve the 2 channel quality with an integrated with an HT bypass (and maybe a speaker swap from another room). Currently there are mid 90s KEF Reference Twos setup with an A23/Yamaha 1060 AVR combo. I'll probably be moving my KEF 104/2s in from another room or eventually buying new towers around the same size.

The two integrateds I'm primarily eyeballing are:
-Music Fidelity M5si (maybe even a 2i or 3i for much less)
-Belles Aria

I need an HT bypass and like having a tape/monitor loop for an EQ/tone control/etc. (KEF KUBE if 104/2s). I'll only have one 2 channel audio source (Node 2i) so I guess I could go between it and associated input on the integrated?

I'm also watching used to hopefully score one of these a bit lower but I'd say I could go in the $2k range if I have too.

Any other integrated amps to consider in this range?

Thanks for any input.

 

I would look at the Rotel 1572 in your price range, might have more features than you need, but on paper looks like a solid amp.

 

Updated List Sep 2020 for gear that has HT Bypass
Amplifiers with HT-bypass - update 18. September 2020

 

A used Parasound HINT 5 ... that may suit the bill well.