I would get a nice 40 watt+ tube amp and use that to drive both channels. One of my friends uses an old CJ mv-50 with his Maggie 1.6's. You can buy those used for 450-500. To me a small tube amp gives the magnepans a magic that is unmatched by solid state until you reach the stratospherically priced reference gear. The MV-50 uses EL-34's which give it a beautiful midrange and sense of drive. I have yet to hear the equal of the mv-50/1.6 in reproducing an electric guitar.
I think you can get the old conrad-johnson mv-50,52,55 and 75's within your price range. Another nice amp is the Sonic Frontiers SFS-80. As with any older amplifier it would be a good idea to buy one that has recently been to the factory for a checkup/refurb. They do get old and a little cranky so be prepared to have it looked after a bit. Try to find a local tube repair guy and ask him to find something well built that he can repair. There are lots of very good sounding tube amps out there - especially DIY stuff that sell cheaply but have superb sonics. The key is to have a local guy that can work on them so you don't spend a fortune on shipping.
I think you can get the old conrad-johnson mv-50,52,55 and 75's within your price range. Another nice amp is the Sonic Frontiers SFS-80. As with any older amplifier it would be a good idea to buy one that has recently been to the factory for a checkup/refurb. They do get old and a little cranky so be prepared to have it looked after a bit. Try to find a local tube repair guy and ask him to find something well built that he can repair. There are lots of very good sounding tube amps out there - especially DIY stuff that sell cheaply but have superb sonics. The key is to have a local guy that can work on them so you don't spend a fortune on shipping.