What is the best SS used amp for $1k or less?

The older McCormack Deluxe series amps, like DNA-1 Deluxe, or even DNA-0.5 Deluxe. I think these amps would give you the sound you're after. Not the last word in resolution though(still plenty of detail, but on a smoother side of things), but I don't think that's what you're looking for.

The McCormack RLD 1 is a great preamp that can be found for about $900-$1100 used. It has a HT bypass, excellent 120 step 0.5 dB volume and balance, tape mon., two sets of pre-outs, and is available with or w/o phono card. I love mine, it replaced a McIntosh C15 and sounds much better.

i haven't heard this amp but reading the review and looking at what the amp brings to the table this is not a bad deal for $995.
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/vincent_sp331_e.html

oops Aragon wont sound like tubes.

BAT VK-200