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Since no one seems to answer your question...

I'm not familiar with Mistral equipment, but I have 4 suggestions that are worth consideration (especially used), although a few don't have built-in phono stages. You can easily and affordably add a Creek OBH 8 or 9 phono pre-amp in standard or SE version w/ upgraded power supply and more. The standard go for $200 & $250 new and $100-150 used. The SE versions go for $325 & $375 new, $150-250 used. Both give great results.

1) Audio Refinement Complete, I just got one used for $600 ($1,100 new) to replace my Rotel seperates. It is smooth, dynamic, never fatiguing, and extremely balanced. It also projects a wide and deep soundstage. The amp has been receiving exceptional reviews since it's introduction 2-3 years ago. YBA actually designed and makes these amps as the affordable part of their product line. It shares nearly every sonic attribute of YBA's twice as expensive Integra' amp. Although it is only rated at 50W per, it easily fills my 20'x16'x8' living with more rich, detailed music than my 120W Rotel RB-980bx amp. I had B&W's before my current speakers and they were agonizingly bright w/ my Rotel gear, the Complete was able to tame their tweeter w/o sacrificing any high frequency detail.

And, like you, I love hard rock and alternative along with my Jazz - Tool, Ministry, Helmet, Nine Inch Nails, along w/ Led Zepplin, Aerosmith, Sabbath, etc. I'm not saying it's bring down the roof power, but seeing how you have much more efficient speakers than my Jean Marie Reynaud Twins mkII's (90dB, 4.7 ohm min imped), this amp should give you what you need. It's only shortcoming is no built in phono stage.

Audio Refinement Complete review:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/srajan01.htm

2) Another excellent choice that doesn't get much attention here in the States is Magnum Audio's IA200 100W ($1,150, not Magnum Dynalab) or smaller brother IA170 ($750). Handmade in England, these amps deliver warm, detailed, sound with amzing depth and power. I had the good fortune to hear them in action while auditioning my current speakers. And they have an excellent phono stage for both MM & MC cartridges. There is a very nice guy named Chris Small who is currently selling his on Audiogon.com for $650 shipped! I traded several emails w/ him and was going to buy it when someone 30 minutes from me offered to sell his AR Complete for less. I love my Complete, but sometimes I think it would be nice to have that extra reserve power. Either way, they are terrific choices for the money.

http://www.magnumaudio.com/

SoundStage review of IA170:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/magnum_ia170.htm

Other reviews:
http://www.magnumaudio.com/reviews/

I know you are against the tube idea, but how about a truly great Hybrid?

3) The Anthem Integrated 2 is an amazingly smooth and powerful amp (90W) made by Sonic Frontiers as an affordable entry to their very expensive and reverred amplifier line. The amp features a true tube linestage pre-amp in front of Motorola bi-polar transistor power stage - "As you would expect given its Sonic Frontiers lineage, the Integrated 2 uses top-notch components such as MultiCap and Wima capacitors, Holco and Draloric resistors, a Noble balance pot, and Kimber interconnect wiring." They are out of your price range new ($1,800), but are selling used for $1,100 on Audiogon.

http://www.sonicfrontiers.com/anthem/int2.html

Anthem Integrated 2 review:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/paul01.htm
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/anthemint2_e.html

4) Musical Fidelity A3 - I've never owned one, but a good friend has it and I really like it. A little on the analytical side, but truly revealing in detail - nothing like the others. It receives excellent reviews and AudioAdvisor.com is currently selling them new for $995.

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/musical_fidelity_ac3cr_preamp.htm

I hope these suggestion are not below the performance level you are used to. They are all worth a good listen, regardless.





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