SS Amp Recommendations?


I need a newer amp and recommendations are appreciated. The parameters are these:

Used, but new as possible.

100 watts minimum, 2 channel. I have built my own speakers.

$500 maximum. This figure is due to our rotten economy and my tight fisted, Yankee cheapness. You can never tell what the future may bring with our bonkers economy. Money is an issue even with this hobby.

The music I listen to: All Rock (no G.D. rap!) , jazz, classical. Heavy emphasis on Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Pink Floyd, Al DiMeola you get the picture.

Again, I appreciate any comments even on my cheapness or choice in music too!
barroter
Maybe in this rotten economy someone will sell you a McCormack DNA 0.5 for around $500. It'll have some years on it but they've proven to be a pretty reliable/robust design, and resale is good. Mine's over 10 yrs old and the only thing I've done is change a couple fuses. Best of luck.
If you can get a McCormack amp-do it. Otherwise look at B&K ST140 ($200-250 used). Also consider Musical Fidelity.
NAD C270 or C272 are newer possible choices. McCormack would be better, B&K at least as good as NAD. If you need an integrated amp at that price point, then the large NAD C370 or C372 could work.

In addition to Carver, Parasound and Hafler are some other brands that are viable choices available today at well under $500. Be aware that older electronics are a stop gap measure that may or may not provide long years of service as noted above.

See here to get general idea of market for inexpensive used amps, at least in Seattle area:

http://www.hawthornestereo.com/used/
Since your speakers are self built;do you need a min amount of power to acheive the sound levels you like or do you need massive wattage;what would your min amp power be?