HELP!!!! Newbie looking for a decent 2 channel power amp in the $1,000 range

I think you might be well served by a Crown XLI800. For some reason there is real animosity towards commercial amps but this one is dead quiet, 200WPC and they are all I use for true hi fidelity speakers. You can't touch this quality for anywhere near the price with all this home owner gear.

 Try one and if you don't like it they only run just under $300 now and you can sell them for most of that used if you don't like them. Do a search for these and see what owners have to say.

I stumbled on this thread too late to be of any real help, but I have to chime in here even though I know you’ve made your choice already.

I recently swapped out my beloved Khartago for a Parasound A-23.
At first, I only noticed the things that seemed to diminish. Bass slam was top of that list, followed by soundstage width. But the A23 is not without its charms. Its soundscape is more highly saturated and coherent.

Both amps are detailed, dynamic and transparent. Their best attributes are likely system dependent, but either would be an excellent choice.  The A23 however has the edge on features, like the 12volt trigger, and XLR inputs are a real value.  
I think you chose well though and can focus your next upgrade elsewhere in your system :) 

A quick word on the Outlaw Audio RR2160.  What a tremendous value. 
That unit anchors my family room TV set-up and blew away my previous Denon AVR.  Sub out, headphone out, DAC, phono in, processor loop and an excellent amplifier section.  Some folks don’t care for its style but the looks have definitely grown on me over time.  Detailed enough to reveal a speaker wire upgrade.  A serious piece and a no brainer recommendation to anyone looking for an integrated amp.  

Another +1 for Parasound

Also Vincent. They have no problem driving low ohms. I'm using one to drive my 803s

A few have mentioned the Van Alstine SET 120. I have one…the power amp version, not the control amp version…and it’s been an outstanding pleasure to listen to. 60W into 8 Ohms and 120W into 4 Ohms.

Van Alstine has a demo unit for sale right now on their website for $895.

The amp normally sells for $1199 now, a recent increase in price.

Here’s a link for the demo