You can get something decent in that range. Harmon-Kardon makes resonable amps - I use one myself. You could probably find a used NAD on audiogon for that much - they're a half-step up from HK. You could also get a kit for a decent tube amp, though then you'd be sacrificing power for fidelity (you'll get way better resolution, but you won't be able to crank it up).

I feel pretty comfortable giving you this advice: If you're the kind of guy who just wants to buy something they carry at Circuit City or the Good Guys and be done with it, buy an HK. Buy the most expensive model in your price range that does not have A/V features - these are invariably included at the expense of the audio quality. Very often HK will clear out their older models on their website really cheap. In December they had last year's top-end model for under $200 - I almost bit. Once you get it, give yourself at least a week to get used to it. It will take a little while to get used to the soundstaging.

FWIW, I think you're going the right route in not spending too much on the amp. Of course we'd all love to have the best model. However, if you're on a budget, speakers and turntables are always a better bang for the buck.