The Conrad Johnson MF-2300a is a great amplifier which will drive your 803's with ease. The 2300a's hold their value very well, and your friend's asking price of $1,100 is very reasonable for the amplifier -- especially since you know the history of the unit that you will be purchasing. I highly recommend the CJ MF-2300a. It has a warmth to it that is hard to find in many solid state amplifiers yet it has the ability to preserve subtle details (mated with the right preamp of course) that are both natural sounding and non-fatiguing. If you don't love it, then you can always sell it and recoup your entire purchase price.
