$1000 to spend on an amp used

Off of the top of my head, I would probably go 60% amp and 40% CD player. Naturally, others would disagree. In that price range brands such as Rotel and Parasound are bargains on the used market. I am partial to Rotel (having owned several Rotel pieces), and one could easily find a good Rotel power amp for $600 and a nice Rotel CD player for $400. I am assuming that a $400 CD player would be a step up for you, as you describe your current player as an El Cheapo, but that may not turn out to be the case - depending on what you have and what you replace it with.

There are many other possibilities, of course. For that same $600 you could probably find an older Bryston or McCormack amplifier, for example. Turning back to the CD player, an older Arcam or Cal Audio or Cairn unit could be had for around $400. A lot of people believe in putting most of their money up front - as in spending more on source/preamp components vs. spending more on amps and speakers. Again, if I were spending that $1K in your shoes, I would split it 60% amp and 40% CD player.

All of this advice is, of course, worth everything you’ve paid for it!

Thanks Ekistler. I will look into your advise but, with this damn audiophilia that we all have, who knows what I'll do.

Thanks,

Burton

p.s. I emailed Avguygeorge directly to ask him what he would do after he posted but, no response as of yet.

Hafler 9290, 9300 or 9500

A Coda 11 will be bit more than 1k, but a Bedini 100/110 mkII should produce a pretty satisfying result w/ the gear you have.

I agree with Semi. Go with a used Forte Model 4. It's built like a tank and is definitely one of the sweetest-sounding, highly detailed amps you'll ever hear. The detail is "real detail", not brightness masquerading as detail. But don't let it's sweetness fool you, it's dynamics are uncompromising. Yes, there are amps, which outperform it..... for several thousand bucks.

p.s. As with any used gear, just make sure it's guaranteed.