best sub $1000 amp to mate with tube preamp

If you are seriously considering Class D amplifiers, you might want to send an email to Audiogon member "Plato". He's a reviewer, and he has heard and reviewed the PS Audio amp along with at least one or two other Class D amplifiers. He can give you a well researched opinion based upon listening.

BTW, I have auditioned the NuForce Reference 8, Channel Islands D100 and D200, McCormack DNA-2 Platinum Revision and Odyssey Audio Stratos Extreme Monoblocks in my system with a tubed preamp (First Sound Presence Deluxe II and Modwright SWL 9.0SE). Several of them are excellent choices. They all have strengths and weaknesses.

thanks tvad,
i actually ran across the channel islands last night in reviews. again, not trying to continue the madness here just dont have the time or money to audition a lot of stuff. the hype on class d is tremendous, but its obvious that they do have a sonic signature, just wondered what it is. again i am going for a non-fatiguing sound, although nothing fat and slow either, just a touch of good warmth and the ability to portray the depth of stage on a decent recording.
dave

McCormack, Odyssey and Channel Islands are all non fatiguing, IMO. In my system, the Odyssey had more top end energy than the McCormack and Channel Islands amplifiers. The Channel Islands sounded somewhat flatter and more sterile than the McCormack and Odyssey, both of which sounded fuller and made the music sound more real to my ears.

sounds like the mccormack or odyssey would be my ticket, either one a better value dollar wise?

Probably the McCormack would be easier to re-sell. However, if you are speaking value in terms of sound bought for the dollar invested, I might lean toward the Odyssey. Both company owners are terrific guys.

Your preamp will require fairly high gain to drive the McCormack if my experience with the DNA-2 was any guide. The Odyssey didn't have a problem with the gain of my preamp, which is 16dB.

I suppose the McCormack is the safer bet. The Odyssey might get you more power, and it'd already be upgraded with high capacitance and excellent parts that you'd otherwise have to have upgraded in the McCormack.

I had a fairly tough time selling my Odyssey Monos, which I bought used at a good price.