Best 2 ch. Amp, for music, under $1k used

The McCormack DNA 0.5 is a great recommendation. Another amp to give strong consideration to is the McIntosh MC7100 (later version with XLR inputs).

I've recently had the McCormack 0.5 Rev B, McCormack HT-1 Fully Modded (i forget the exact designation), and the McIntosh MC7100 in my system - ended up keeping the McIntosh.

These amps were bought to drive some additional channels, but I recently moved the McIntosh 7100 to drive my mains while my primary amps were out getting serviced and they are VERY good. Far better than I was expecting.

So much of this is user and system dependent - if you can, it's always good to buy smartly and try several options until you find what works best for you. You shouldn't lose much if any on the resale, and it's part of the fun.

Muse Model 160

Ditto on the Conrad Johnson amps.

Interesting. The McCormack 0.5, & the Conrad Johnson MF-2250 were the 2 amps I was going to suggest. I'd also say--I've had a "non-A" MF-2250 for years, & I think it sounds beautiful. And I had a stock, (no-"revs") DNA 0.5 in the same system for a few days; it sounded very, very nice.

If you could pick up a stock DNA 0.5 for $500-ish, I'd grab it.

Audio Research D-130. One is on Ebay for $750. Real nice amp.