The Ayre Acoustic AX-7e integrated amplifier is excellent. The list price was $3,500 but the unit was recently discontinued so a lower price is possible. Ayre has the AX-5 Twenty integrated amplifier priced at $12,950 (ouch, over your budget and mine too). Please see:
http://www.ayre.com/ax7e.htm
I own the Ayre AX-7e amplifier and recommend you check it out. I asked Ayre if they have any plans for a replacement to the AX-7e and am waiting for a response.
http://www.ayre.com/ax7e.htm
I own the Ayre AX-7e amplifier and recommend you check it out. I asked Ayre if they have any plans for a replacement to the AX-7e and am waiting for a response.