iPod directly into amp

You shouldn't have any problems at all using your ipod as a source and preamp with most amps. The one major problem u may have is having enough output from the headphone amp of the ipod to drive the amp to full power, however, unless you are a headbanger I am sure you will have plenty volume with most amps. I have my mac comp. hooked up to an amp driving a pair of bookshelf speakers, and the sound is surprisingly good.

Why not go for a cheap but powerful and good-sounding NAD integrated? And if your iPod is 4th generation, get it modded by Red Wine Audio. Stunning sound.

There are a lot of decent integrated amps that can be had for $600 or a lot less used. I think this would be a MUCH better option than a power amp.

Popt for one of the Sontic T amps.Son of T IO think the $100 model.Your not going to get muhc volume at $100 or but there are rated 15 and have 3-5 usuable watts.Just don't remember how sensitive your speakers 93=4 db shopuld be able to work.Or get a Harmon Kardon 2 channel reciver of recent vintage cheap.I find their best of cheap recivers.
Chazzbo

What you need is an integrated amplifier/receiver and a decent iPod dock so you can bypass the headphone circuit in the iPod. Onkyo makes a decent dock, and I'm sure there are others out there... which would set you back maybe a $100 at the most. With $500 your options for an integrated with enough clean power to drive the Grand Pianos are limited, I second the Nad suggestion, but you might also look at Creek (there is one A50 on Audiogon right now) which would give you a bit cleaner sound. I recommend doing some research yourself in the archieves here and on other audio sites.
Good luck