I've A/B'd an Anthem MCA 3 versus an Arcam P85/3. The Anthem disappointed me. I've also heard a Sherbourn A/B'd with a Rotel amp, and thought they were both excellent.
I would say this...if it's strictly the money issue, wait until you can afford the Sherbourn. You'll do nothing but spend hour after hour listening to the Anthem wondering how much better your system would sound with the Sherbourn, and end up spending far more money in total ugrading your amp a second time. It's called Upgraditis, and $1000 is peanuts compared to how much the illness can ultimately cost you.
