Best used amp in the $1500 range

There are a number of good choices in your price range; which one you choose depends largely on your personal preference, speakers, and rest of components.

In addition to the McCormack, Parasound, and Bryston suggestions above, I would also recommend a Pass X-150, Monarchy SE-100's, or one of Marsh's offerings. If you have electrostatic or planar speakers, then consider the InnerSound ESL-300 (which I own).

Michael

I personally feel that the preamp has more of an impact on the sound than then amp (assuming the amp and speakers mate reasonably well).

Perhaps what you're looking for is a different sounding system for certain types of music. If so, maybe you would be better off using that $1500 to build a second system for that explicit purpose.

And, sometimes that wise move is to simply acknowledge just how good your system really sounds and stick with it for a while, and give up the chase. Your wallet will thank you.

You may very well realize wonderful benefits by changing the amps (and, of my recommendations above, I think the Monarchy SE-100's would be most to your liking, and about half your budget). But I'm just throwing out a couple other possibilities to consider.

Good luck.

Michael