In that range you've got a lot of nice units as long as you don't need internal HDTV switching.
Some that come to mind in this price range..
Proceed PAV/PDSD...this WAS a $10,000 pair, but they have been selling regularly for less than $2000, and are truly amazing both at 2 channel and HT. If it meets your needs, buy one, you won't be dissapointed...if you later need HDTV switching, add on and Extron unit to do it. The units are FAR nicer than the AVP, as they use the best DAC's on ALL HT channels.
The Linn AV5103 is another one that comes to mind, but be careful..older units (SN less than 3000) don't have DTS... Much earlier models (Linn will only list the cut off here as ~1400 SN) had lesser processors and I would try to get a newer model. This was Linn's top of the line preamp, they used it to demo at all the shows, very sweet and smooth, especially if you like the Linn sound! These also show up for ~$2000, so I asume some would sell for less than $2000.
One more in that range that is very highly rated, though I've not personally listened to is the Sunfire Theater Grand MK II which can be had for ~$1500, and adds a tuner.
Just my .02
