Musical, high powered Amp under $1k

I'm looking for a new (used..?) amp around $1,000. So far I've liked the anthem HCA 20 amp the best between my modded Acurus a100, and a Mcintosh MC 2105 (first taste of Mac and I was very unimpressed).

Anyways, it seems both myself and my Paradigm Signature 2's V.3 like a more powerful amp, like the Anthem, so with that in mind, what amps should I be looking at? I'm thinking I can get something as powerful as the Anthem with a touch more air and sweetness to it, for the same $ the anthem would cost me $1100 (ouch).

Usually I can find a few amps in the $1k range that look tempting but I'm stumped right now...