Budget Audiophile Looking For Amplifier Suggestions

McIntosh has a signature sound that does not appeal to all of us hi fi people.  Some think of it as being a notch below what really good gear should sound like despite it's universally appealing blue meters and stunning prices.  It is solid stuff, made right here in the U S of A and nevertheless, must be  in high demand to sell for those prices, which are never on sale, if new and current.
I own an ancient SS small power amp by McIntosh, which synergizes remarkably well with my old Klipsch La Scalas and Heresys.

Most of the great ones for your need have been mentioned. Personally, I like the McCormack, Odyssey and Sunfire suggestions. Most of the Sunfires have choice between voltage and current outputs, which let you tailor the sound to "tubey" vs. more traditional SS sound, which can be a benefit. The Odysseys allow for monoblocks which will give you better stereo separation and potentially less noise. All of these would be good choices. Cheers,
Spencer

As mentioned above, I'd suggest a McCormack DNA .05 or 1.0 amp.  I have the former and it is the most musical amp I have had in my system in 45 years. It is very powerful and musical.   A few DNA .05's are available currently on the aftermarket and they can be upgraded by SMc Audio if you are inclined.  Odessey makes fine amps, but the McCormack amps are a glimpse of nirvana.  Sunfire, in my experience, while well-made, are decidedly mid-fi to my ears.  The Plinius 8200 MKII integrated amp, running as power amp, is very powerful and, to my ears, warm and engaging.  I wish I had never sold mine.    

I would second the Sim recommendation, and add a couple things. One, that also an integrated Sim amp like an I-3, I-5, etc in that genre if Sim equipment in the early to late 2000's. Under $1500 for sure, and can be found for $1000-1200 with a couple months of patience. The watts on the Sim will say less than 120-150 watts, but the output power will be just as much, if not more with proper attention given to proper low end reproduction. 

Next, don't rule out the Naim gear. Same time period as above, similar prices, similar performance, but more emphasis in PRAT and less low end authority than the Sim gear. A 50 watt NAIM integrated will be as much power as a commercial product that rates its amps at 120-150 watts.  

 The good news is that you can't go wrong with either of them! 

I would suggest an Exposure Dual 4 regulated. 90 watts High current. Similar to Naim many prefer it. 1100 used gets their 2nd best amp. 5k retail. Super musical, fast open sound. Competes very well with newer amps. Maybe not as resolving as some of the 5-10k newer stuff but gives nothing up in musicality.