HELP!!!! Newbie looking for a decent 2 channel power amp in the $1,000 range

I guess by now a Sunfire 300 watt amp should be in your price range. It will drive just about anu load down to 2 ohms. And just for fun it has 2 different sets of speaker outlets, one a direct connect, high damping one like all solid state amps and one a low damping output like tube amps that will produce sound 'tilted' toward tub sound.

The Sunfire 300 is a great idea, great amp, for 1K you can buy one and send to Flannery for upgrades and a check over, that is a great idea!

they are great amps!

Given the sound qualities you’re looking for I’m gonna supplant my prior Hegel recommendation for this Yammy.  She’s right in your wheelhouse sonically, built like a tank, and looks awesome.  That you can get it at a $1400 discount at accessories4less.com for what’s basically a new unit and likely full warranty — bonus!  You gonna be hard pressed to beat this…

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamas1100sl-rb/yamaha-a-s1100-integrated-amplifier-silver/1.html

Anyone have insight/experience with the Outlaw Model 2220 mono blocks?

Seems like a good deal on paper and good bang for the $$$

I would take a hard look at this. There are several for sale on the site all approximately $1K