Steve,
You're asking the Ford vs. Chevy question...and everyone will have their
favorite. There may not be one answer, at all. Given the top price
you're willing to pay, you can have, arguably, any receiver you want
that might be available. Your broad spec could be met by a myriad of
receivers. Entering the Ford vs. Chevy argument, I'd recommend the
Collins 51J4 or the R-390A. Cheaper but entirely usable would be the
Hammarlund HQ-180AC. There are many, more esoteric, radios that can be
had up to $2000, to be sure. You did mention, however, the implied
ability to repair and maintain. Beware of equipment that is beyond a
reasonable hope of home or local repair. For example, many excellent and
modern receivers, especially military or high-end commercial, either
require a depot repair environment or parts and modules that are
virtually "unobtanium". What's not been said is what you really want
to do with the gear. Is it simple short-wave listening or serious
collecting? Maybe you could pass on more details about your
requirements? And, which side of the pond are you on? de Jeep/K3HVG