I have a Holton collegiate and it is a great playing horn. I would contact a few different places to see what they say. As for the $$... if you like the horn don't let anyone tell you it is not worth it. It is becoming a common thing for people to get "student" horns and have them customized. If they play great and meet your needs than it does not matter what it says on the bell.
Here are a few links...
http://www.brassinstrumentworkshop.com/ http://www.charliesbrassworks.com/
Also contact Kanstul.. they do great work at a great price.