If you can stretch, the Eddie Current Super 7 is a stellar amp with the LCD-2. Very highly recommended.
Woo Audio makes a very good, reliable line of amps. The Woo 22 is very good if you have a balanced source, although not at the level of the Super 7, but they sometimes come up for sale close to your budget.
The Decware is probably a good choice, although not as well-known as Eddie Current or Woo.
I would avoid solid state. I used to own the Luxman P-1u, a $3000 solid state amp that many consider to be the pinnacle of solid state amps, and would take the Super 7 or Woo 22 over the Luxman any day of the week.
Woo Audio makes a very good, reliable line of amps. The Woo 22 is very good if you have a balanced source, although not at the level of the Super 7, but they sometimes come up for sale close to your budget.
The Decware is probably a good choice, although not as well-known as Eddie Current or Woo.
I would avoid solid state. I used to own the Luxman P-1u, a $3000 solid state amp that many consider to be the pinnacle of solid state amps, and would take the Super 7 or Woo 22 over the Luxman any day of the week.