Here is an example of what I meant by finding a earlier model year. This is a YBA Integre DT with remote whose essential design and circuitry has not changed since it first came out in 1997. The current price for it would be 2650 new... but here 1998 model in excellent condition is within your budget. Mind you should spend time listening and auditioning to ints before you buy. Hot deals come up all the time if you are patient.
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1023125139
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1023125139