A bit over your budget, but take a look at the new Boz 216/2200 amplifier(tactaudio.com). It will give you the control you're looking for, and adding another 2200 in the future will allow you to biamp your speakers.
Which Solid State Amplifier is Making you Happy?
I'm trying to find a new amplifier to replace a Musical Fidelity A3CR. There are lots of candidates: Rowland 501s, Pass Labs 350.5, Levinson 431/432, H2O, etc. What are people using and what has been a good sonic investment? I'm currently driving B&W N803s, so it's a pretty normal load. My MF amp does not offer enough punch or bass control. It flattens out at higher volumes. I'll spend what it takes, new or used. Less than $8K would be nice. All comments welcome.
Peter
Peter