If you are moving up to the $3500 range, I'd recommend you just try out a Raven Audio Blackhawk Limited Edition and be done with it. Check out this review in which he compared the Blackhawk LE to Ayon and Cary tube amps(it was not even close):
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/all-reviews/hi-fi-reviews/the-raven-audio-blackhawk-limited-edition-tu...
https://www.ravenaudio.com/Blackhawk-Limited-Edition-Integrated-Amplifier_p_21.html
From your other thread I noticed your stated musical tastes:
"I listen to Classic Jazz, Classical and Classic - Prog Rock mostly."
I think the Raven might be perfect for that.