At that pricepoint, I would recommend checking out the Creek 5350SE, at 85wpc, $1495 new, about $1150 used, Stereofool rated Class A. Check out the following link for the review by Bob Reina (who uses it as a reference) and measurements by John Atkinson. I use it to drive small but powerhungry Alon Petites, and the sound makes me wonder about my unbelievably good sounding, far more expensive main system (ARC VT100MKII, Rogue 99 Magnum, Alon V MKII, various digital sources). Best of luck!
http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?327