Best poweramp $2-4K matched with Cary SLP-98

In the high end of your budget I would look for a mcCormack DNA-500.

I am using a Cary v12i with the SLP-98 and the synergy is awesome! Wonderful timbre & soundstaging - very musical. Should be a nice match with the Proacs if you're not a headbanger.
Enjoy!
James

Second the V12i, that is what I used with mine. Cary V12R or even the AES 6 packs would work too.

From the solid state side I used a TRL D-225. You'll need to trim the gain knobs on the SLP-98 down though as this amp is very high gain.

I bought a new Cary SLP98P in Feb. I had it hooked to a McIntosh 7270 SS amp and it sounded great. I sold the amp (after 17 years) and bought a Cary V12R amp with Ruby tubes. The results are excellent. Buy one, even if you send it to Cary for a check up, you will be very happy with the results. I have listened to and can afford amps that cost 10 times the money, but there is really little to no difference in sound. Make sure your speakers put out a sound pressure level of 88-105 range. Good luck

Well I'll make it almost unanimous, I have a Cary V12 which I paired with A 98L and it made beautiful music.There is no substitute for synergy with like products.Having said that,I did find a pre amp that aced the 98L so I replaced it.Still have the V12.

Thanks everyone. It seems like Cary V12 series is a great candidate and worth listening. I will try my best to audition this amp with SLP-98 before I make any conclusion. Is there any thought or comment from Audiogoners on the SS amp?

i foudn the V12 a bit too euphonic matched with the SLP98 when i owned both. i think you should do one or the other

Innersound ESL 300 (older version). I have used with Maggies and a Cary before. It was a great combo.