Amp upgrades under $3K for bookshelf system

caphill I greatly appreciate the suggestion. I will check out the Osiris

Thank you for your replies. I have been reading for weeks it seems but still don't know where to start when it coms to trying to rank them based on my system needs. 

Would a big McIntosh (for example) that's in good shape but a few years old give me that? So many great deals on used gear at a 50% or more discount to be had but I don't know how to begin deciding. I don't have a local audio store in my area that I could sample so looking to you internet gurus :-) for help.

Thanks nonoise. I will definitely read up on the Kinki!!

Thanks again for another option I had never considered. Re Soix; I have an open space with a living room, dining room and kitchen that I want to be able to hear all nuances of my favorite jazz vinyl. Stan Getz, Sonny Rollins, Billy Holiday, Al Hibbler, Joao Gilberto. Most of what I listen to are live recordings with varied sound quality. I have my speakers positioned where I currently get a decent sound stage (not great) when sitting in "my spot". I was hoping for an amp that could give great live sound in that spot but also fill the rest of the space with total sound with a relatively low volume (if that is possible). I have a family which enjoys my collection but doesn't want it cranked. I was hoping a hi power amp (200 WPC?) could give me that sound? I notice with my system that I hear the highs and lows fine but miss the subtle mid layers at low volume unless I am sitting in just the right place. Not at the dinner table or when cooking.