Best amplifier for $1000


I am looking for a NEW power amp to drive my beautifull Ellis 1801b.
My budget: limited to about $1100

After doing thorough research I decided that I need your opinion to confirm or not my findings. It seems to me that there 4 companies that are offering fair value for money: Monarchy Audio, AKSA Aspen, Audio Van Alstine and Odyssey Audio. I am pretty sure that if I will chose any of their products I won't go wrong.

Now, within my budget, I am trying to maximaze the value that I will get, having in mind that I won't need tones of power to drive my Ellis. So, after another month of reading and research I can conclude that the best value for money within a limited budget are (in order):

1. AKSA Aspen 55 with Nirvana Plus Upgrade
2. Monarchy Audio ST-70 PRO
3. OmegaStar 260 EX (AVA)

Unfortunatelly the Stratos seems to be a litlle overpriced compared with the others (in value/price terms).

Now, my question for those of you who had the chance to listen to at least 2 of the 3 from my list: Can you confirm my findings? Can you let me know your opinions?

Thank you very much
rmihai

Showing 1 response by 76doublebass

You can pick up a used ARC VT-60 in Audiogon for under that
and the sound quality is remarkable with nice natural bass
and a wonderful magical midband reproduction if u like the sound of tubes.I own the ARC and would never let it go.
The ARC puts out 60 watts RMS but it sounds like it puts out 120,has 4,8,16,ohm binding posts,and I'm driving my Martin logan Quest Z with no problems.