Best used amp for around 500


I'm am desperately trying to upgrade from a Denon AVR-3300 receiver. Looking for a stereo amp for the fronts. I'm entertaining the idea of a five channel amp, but I don't yet have DVD-Audio or SACD, and money is an issue. The receiver is fine for movies, but for music...well, it won't do. I'm currently running Acoustic Energy Aegis 3's for the fronts - silk dome tweets, pretty warm, laid back sound. Any suggestions?
dklap
Sean. A classic combo you've got in your basement if I do say so myself.

I run speakers I made myself. Based on Northcreek Rhythm Revelator basically (Northcreek.com).
Both of mine are moded too - really just replacing stuff though. Mine is very musical and I am sure yours is too. It is always good to listen to it because it brings me back down to earth. I don't think I have $1100 in the system, not including the source, which changes fairly often, and it does hold it's own.

Go for the classic tubes Dklap. Years from now it will be your second system because you will not be able to part with it. Good education too! (little more work now though)

Sincerely, I remain
Thanks for filling me in Clueless. Glad to see that you're not afraid to get your hands dirty too : )

While i sometimes hook up different speakers there, i am usually using a set of modded La Scala's or Heresy's. I currently have the Heresy's GUTTED and am not quite sure what i'm going to do with them. Thinking about building a completely different cabinet and augmenting the bass in some manner. Another project on my list to do this year.

As to the main thread here, do you plan to use the preamp section of the receiver to drive the power amp or go directly into the power amp via variable output controls on a source ? Sean
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First, thanks for the recommendations. Didn't expect such a quick response. I'll do some searching to see what amps I can find to listen to. As to Sean's question, I'll likely use the receiver as a pre-amp/processor until it is replaced with a more suitable component. What do you guys hear about the Chiro amps? Also, I recently saw an Odyssey Stratos that has been highly rated - anyone ever hear one?

-Dan
Stratos: Heard it and I like it if you go for the SS sound. Good prices on used. Get the 120,000uF cap upgrade.

I remain,
Yes the Odyssey Stratos is a great amp. But they usually go for 700 dollars used.