You have lots of choices here. I considered the Cary 308T as well as the Sim Audio Moon Equinox, which if you are patient turns up for around $1300 - $1400 used. New Quad 99s are in your price range and have been recommended by a lot of folks.
The DAC recommendation is a good one and the direction I went. There are excellent new and used DACs in your price range, not to mention significantly below your limit (see the Audio Mirror D1 here on Audiogon that sells for $500 new).
Good luck with the search and happy listening.
The DAC recommendation is a good one and the direction I went. There are excellent new and used DACs in your price range, not to mention significantly below your limit (see the Audio Mirror D1 here on Audiogon that sells for $500 new).
Good luck with the search and happy listening.