I'm getting hooked on the smoothness, speed, low noise floor, current delivery, transparency, and dynamics of a well-executed class D amp. At your price point, I'd sure give a listen to a PS Audio GCC-250. Originally $3500, they've evidently been discontinued and are now available right in your price range. Example here.
If there are no dealers in your area, you could mail order from a vendor with a generous trial period. All you're out is the return shipping if it's not your cup of tea.
The Musical Fidelities are pretty nice as well. The A5.5 lists at $3K, has 250wpc and even includes a MM phono stage.
Here's another approach: The Musical Fidelity Supercharger 550K monoblocks are down to $2500/pair (from $5K--e.g., Audio Advisor). They're 550 wpc. What if you put that with a nice low powered integrated or line stage. The 550Ks have a small footprint (about 8x8) and could sit fairly unubtrusively right next to your speakers, so they'd still have the effect of simplifying your wiring and rack space while still giving you a whopping amount of power.
If there are no dealers in your area, you could mail order from a vendor with a generous trial period. All you're out is the return shipping if it's not your cup of tea.
The Musical Fidelities are pretty nice as well. The A5.5 lists at $3K, has 250wpc and even includes a MM phono stage.
Here's another approach: The Musical Fidelity Supercharger 550K monoblocks are down to $2500/pair (from $5K--e.g., Audio Advisor). They're 550 wpc. What if you put that with a nice low powered integrated or line stage. The 550Ks have a small footprint (about 8x8) and could sit fairly unubtrusively right next to your speakers, so they'd still have the effect of simplifying your wiring and rack space while still giving you a whopping amount of power.