Class D with low-end drive/slam

Thank you. That'a very helpful. 500 watts Class D is a lot less expensive than 500 watts SS....This is for my "frankensystem."

Check out the Digital Amp Company
http://www.digitalamp.com/

To read about the incredible bass performance, check out the 2-person StereoTimes review:
http://stereotimes.com/amp093010.shtml

Tommy from DigAmpCo often has demo gear for a great price.

I think the actual review unit from the Affordable Audio Review http://www.affordableaudio.org/aa2010-09.pdf is currently available.

I've heard plenty if ICE amps w/ their switching supplies and they don't compete w/ the Digital Amp Cos proprietary Class D technology and massive linear power supplies.

The newer and more expensive BelCanto ref XXXm line (I use the 1000ms) also uses a supplemental power supply internally that is integrated with the stock Icepower module. That helps optimize bass performance I believe and accounts for much of the price difference with these compared to other more stock Icepower amps I believe.

This is the main reason I elected to pay a hefty premium for these specific Icepower amps compared to others that use stock Icepower modules only and cost way less.

However, I have heard others that use Wyred Icepower amps with stock Icepower power supplies report very good results also. I have never heard these or compared so I cannot say for sure, but in general those who have seem to report only subtle differences as best I can tell.

Find and Innersound ESL used, if you can. Wonderful amp, tons of SLAM, never runs out of juice.

I would put Wyred 4 Sound on the list of world class D amps. Cheaper than Bel Canto and uses similar proprietary input stage. Can buy new in your price range.