best used amp pre-amp combo for a grand

You will go slightly over $1000 but worth it. For a preamp I highly recommend a tube Conrad Johnson PV-10AL probably (+/-)$550. Get a solid state power amp to go with it, like the CJ MF2100, or any number of other great used power amps in the $500 to $600 range. The key to great music in this price range is a good preamp like the CJ PV-10 preamp IMHO.

Have you considered an integrated, or do you need power?

McCormack DNA .5
Micro Line Drive
tracer

As far as integrated vs ss vs Tube...I don't care. I just want something that sounds good, not aproaching perfect. The gear will be hidden. I do want to be able to run speakers in 4 locations. I already have a switch box that seems to work with my Kyocera 85 wpc reciever. I apreciate all of your input.

I agree with Sugarbrie, The PV10AL is a good place to start. I just saw a CJ/Sonopraphe SA250 on sale here on Agon. That would be a nice combo.
Good luck

I was going to suggest the PV-10AL before I even read the above statements.

A PV-10 paired with McCormack's micro would be absolutely heavenly.

The Micro sounds even better than the DNA.5 (which sounds better than the DNA 1, which sounds better than the DNA 2... you get the picture.)

McCormack's amps sound worse (but it never gets bad)as you move up the wattage ladder.

For Klipsch speakers, you really don't need (even) 50 watts per side.

I haven't heard the CJ solid state stuff, but the tube products are very nice sounding.

I no longer own any CJ, but my first "high end" (haha) piece was a brand new PV-10AL.

good luck!!