Best solid state power amp for $1k

I chose the Stratos over the HCA-2 on my system, and love the Stratos alot. I heard the Aragon on some totems, and it also sounded very good. I'm now running the Stratos dual mono with a N.E.W 12AU7 preamp using Mullard tubes, and it sounds really nice. Warm and engaging. Lots of fun.

Might want to look into a used McCormack amp especially the DNA-1 with the mods.

Happy Listening.

klaus(odyssey) just stated shipping his new karthago amp-100 wpc, same board as the stratos.750$ new with a 20 warranty

There was alot of press years ago between the McCormack DNA 1 and the Aragon 4004MK II. Half of the reviewers at stereophile chose the McCormack the other half the Aragon. For your listening preferences of jazz and classical i think McCormack is the right amp. If you were a rocker i would say go with the Aragon. Just my 2 cents.

If you can find one, an old Tandberg 3006A (150WPC). They generally go for $300 - $400 because of their age, but they sound really sweet. I've had both the Aragon 4004 Mk II and the Tandberg hooked up to my system and the Tandberg was quite a bit more musical. It has a really warm, tube-like midrange and great punch and drive. The Aragon has a leaner midrange and a more agressive high end. I bought the Tandberg in 1986, but I wouldn't think of selling it because it sounds a lot better than it's worth (if that makes sense).