You should take a listen to Jeff Rowland Model 7's. They last a lifetime & the sound is surperb. Power? 350 watts RMS into 8 ohms, 700 watts into 4 ohms. They are hard to find but in your price range. Try to find the ones with the latest updates.
Finally taking the leap to Monoblocks
Thought I'd throw this one out there. In light of my 4B-ST being sick, I thought I would go ahead and start preparing for the next stage in my audio evolution. Upon its return from Bryston, I plan on moving the 4B-ST over to my home theater system and eventually pairing it with the new 6B-ST. Anyway, I'm looking for advice on some monoblocks to replace the 4B-ST in my audio system. I thought of the 7B-ST, which I can get a good deal on. I can also get a good deal on some used Aragon Palladium amps. I've auditioned the Palladiums, they are so nice. I've never listened to the 7B, but I know what the 4B can do. Anything else out there that I need to listen to? I need something that will outlast all my other components, including another speaker upgrade. I would like to spend less than $5000, but I'm willing to listen to anything.