Stereophile Class A

Stereophile publishes the list in the October and April issues. However, I think you are confusing the Stereophile Class A (versus Class B, C, etc) with the Amplifier classification (which can be A, B or A/B or even D for digital). However, as a student I would strongly recommend that you buy used, and most of the time the older used units, which represent the best value, will not be on the current Stereophile list.

I would suggest you add to your post about your speakers (efficiency is important to know), type of music you listen to, and the volume you listen to. There are many excellent amps on the used market for $1000, but to narrow the field down it would help to know more about the system it would go into.

For a $1000 best to get a used integrated amp. You may be able to find a YBA Integre for about $1K. Maybe a Creek 5350. The 5350SE might be more since it is a new model, but the 5350R will be around $1K. Also look for a Classe CAP-100.

Do not forsake the Class B list. There is some very nice stuff there and some for a lot less than $1K. Bryston B60; Musical Fidelity A220 or A2; Linn Majik and many others.

Saw on rec.audio.marketplace a pair of Meitner MTR-101 monoblocs (100 wrms into 8 ohms, 200 wrms into 4); seller asking US$700 (retail 1990, $3400). They're A/B, not class A, but my advice is: BUY THEM! I would, except that I already have a pair, plus their smaller 50 wpc STR-55 in my bedroom system. These are extremely powerful, very accurate (but rich), detailed mono amps. They'll drive most anything; they have beautiful polished hardwood sleeves. MOSFET output devices. No longer in production, but still serviced and upgraded by A/D/S in Calgary, AB, Canada.
To do significantly better, you'd have to spend thousands.
Good luck.