Check out Manley Labs. My local dealer keeps a pair of D38s paired with the Neo Classic mono blocks and it sounds stunning (about $9,000/pair new). For half the price of those, the Snappers sound almost as good - a better bargain in my mind ($4,200/pair new). That would leave you a nice ceiling for a sweet pre-amp and decent CD. I've also heard them sound exceptional with Audio Research amps, but you're looking at about 15-25% higher cost there - possibly blowing your budget.
Good luck!
Good luck!