If you could find a great deal on new or used, the McIntosh MA6600 integrated amp. Superb in many ways. On the not nearly as much money, but very excellent the Marantz PM8004. For your high limit of spending the Marantz reference high line would be worth looking into, the PM8004 is so good [$1000.00 msrp.] that spending more may not yield much bang for the buck or ear. I have both the MA6600 and PM8004. You could not go wrong with either for sure.
Much out there, Harmon Kardon, Yamaha, etc. All the above posters have excellent choices as well. Good hunting, post your final pick.