In the under $1k range, you will likely have to go with older, classic, amps to get quality and dependability. But, there are a lot great older amps.
Cary definitely lays the midrange on thick and velvety. There's a 35wpc
SLA-70 Sig for sale at $750There's a pair of
Quicksilver mini monos(25 wpc) at $635 right now. You can use a variety of output tubes - EL34, KT90, KT88, KT77, KT66, 6550 or 6L6 - to cater the sound to your liking. Quicksilver makes fantastic amps at affordable prices. (
Quicksilver spec page). Here's also
another pair for $750 w/ latest output transformers
Classic Dynaco mkIV monoblocks(40 wpc) could also be a good choice. These are basically the monoblock version of the famous ST-70. There's an
upgraded pair for $800