In the high end of your budget I would look for a mcCormack DNA-500.
Best poweramp $2-4K matched with Cary SLP-98
I just bought a Cary SLP-98 and am looking for a power amp in the range of $2-4K for this Cary preamp. My system includes Meredian G08 and ProAC Ref8 signature. I enjoy listening to the Jazz music. I did some research in the audiogon discussion threads and mostly the threads talked about the tube rolling and rarely mentioned about the amp used. Please share your experiences of your amp with the SLP-98. Thanks.