What the most musical power amp for under $1K?


I have this Audio Research tube amp that soon will need to be retubed. So, one night I decided, just for fun, to hook up a little NAD 50 watt receiver, that I have in my office system, to drive my Von Schweikert VR4 SE's. Well, I couldn't believe it. The damn thing sounded pretty good. The word that coming to mind while listening was MUSICAL. No, it didn't have near the resolution, or air, or extension on the top as the Audio Research, but it sounded very nice, rich, warm and musical.
So, now I've been looking for something like a used NAD C272. Something to hold me over, until I really decide if I want to spend the bucks to retube, or get something else.
To get to the question, what's your recommendation for an inexpensive, MUSICAL, solid state amp to hold me over until I decide what to do (NAD, Parasound, Quad 909, Cambridge Audio, used Krell, etc). I'd like to find something for under $1K.
In advance, thanks!
louisl
Monarchy Audio SM-70 Pro, around $450-600 per stereo amp(used). Can be switched to bridged monoblocks

BTW, that's a really nice system you've got.
Forte Model 3 Have sold on Agon for $400-600. You'd have to spend a lot more to equal its performance.
You might also want to consider a used Odyssey in that price range. And with one of those, or even some of the other alternatives mentioned above, you might even decide that you're not in "hold over" mode but actually like what you have.
My vote goes to NAD as well. Consistently good amps and very musical.
I am a Naim lover at heart. IMO they are the most musical, however a Naim preamp is needed to work their best.
You could always opt for an integrated.