I had a Nova 125SE, replaced it with an Ayre AX-7e and finally a Rogue Audio Sphinx.
The Nova lacked details and extension. The Ayre was most neutral with good extension and great details, but was not engaging. Very good for analyzing but not the best for enjoying the music.
The Sphinx was not quite as detailed or extended as the Ayre, but was far more engaging. It was hard to analyze the performance with the Sphinx as it kept pulling me into the music.
The Sphinx is very musical. A used one is a bit more than your budget but in my opinion worth it.
The Nova lacked details and extension. The Ayre was most neutral with good extension and great details, but was not engaging. Very good for analyzing but not the best for enjoying the music.
The Sphinx was not quite as detailed or extended as the Ayre, but was far more engaging. It was hard to analyze the performance with the Sphinx as it kept pulling me into the music.
The Sphinx is very musical. A used one is a bit more than your budget but in my opinion worth it.