I agree that from what I can tell, a KAV series Krell is not going to be nearly as satisfying as their FPB line, and in that price range, you should be able to do better. Some options that I am aware of in that price range would be the follwing:
Bryston 7B ST's (used)
Classe' CA-201
Edge AV6m (just over)
Krell FPB200c (used, just over)
McCormack DNA-1 or DNA-2
Pass Labs X150
Sim Audio Moon W-3 or W-5 (used)
Another option, which I wouldn't have believed if I hadn't just heard it with my CS3.6's, is the Theta Intrepid. Yes, it's only 100w (200w into 4 ohm), and yes it runs 5 channels off of one transformer, but darn it all, it somehow manages to drive those Thiels and sound good doing it. You might be able to get a used Intrepid near that price range, or for a bit more, go for a Dreadnaught. I really like the sound of Theta amps with my 3.6's.
Tom.
Bryston 7B ST's (used)
Classe' CA-201
Edge AV6m (just over)
Krell FPB200c (used, just over)
McCormack DNA-1 or DNA-2
Pass Labs X150
Sim Audio Moon W-3 or W-5 (used)
Another option, which I wouldn't have believed if I hadn't just heard it with my CS3.6's, is the Theta Intrepid. Yes, it's only 100w (200w into 4 ohm), and yes it runs 5 channels off of one transformer, but darn it all, it somehow manages to drive those Thiels and sound good doing it. You might be able to get a used Intrepid near that price range, or for a bit more, go for a Dreadnaught. I really like the sound of Theta amps with my 3.6's.
Tom.