Best solid state power amp for $1k

There was alot of press years ago between the McCormack DNA 1 and the Aragon 4004MK II. Half of the reviewers at stereophile chose the McCormack the other half the Aragon. For your listening preferences of jazz and classical i think McCormack is the right amp. If you were a rocker i would say go with the Aragon. Just my 2 cents.

If you can find one, an old Tandberg 3006A (150WPC). They generally go for $300 - $400 because of their age, but they sound really sweet. I've had both the Aragon 4004 Mk II and the Tandberg hooked up to my system and the Tandberg was quite a bit more musical. It has a really warm, tube-like midrange and great punch and drive. The Aragon has a leaner midrange and a more agressive high end. I bought the Tandberg in 1986, but I wouldn't think of selling it because it sounds a lot better than it's worth (if that makes sense).

Nighthawk, my basis for recommending an aragon or a mccormack were based on the original posters equipment. He is using a tubed pre. Now what you end up with is a warm mid and a much softer high end with plenty of punch. Also if he decides to sell one of those amps the loss will be less susbstantial.

I would include the latest offerings from Quad and Marsh. You might find a Quad 909 for around $1000 or so and the Marsh 200 and 400 for a little below and above $1000. All worth listen.

Check out the Anthem amp2 SE. 200wpc tubed input. I think mine sounds very nice. They are about 1k new. msrp was around $1800.
Tim