What amp should be used with merlin vsm's?

I've used a bunch of different amps with my VSMs over the years and most have worked out very well.
My personal favorites include:

Cary 805 (might be over your stated budget, but really excellent)
Cary 300B monos (magic with vocal music)
Pancor Dyna re-issues (Power + pre should be under $1K used - if you can find 'em. Sound is really good, but these eat tubes and then get noisy. Even so, this is the best value I've come across).

These also worked well, but were less striking to me:

ARC VT 130SE
KRELL KSA 50s
Odyssey Monos
Pathos Classic One Integrated
Original Quicksilver monos

Good luck,

Marty

For mostly logistical reasons, I switched out the Odyssey monos for the smaller chasis TAD ss monos. They are a happier match with the VSMs and probably the best ss match I've yet found. Still go back to tubes pretty frequently, though.

Marty