Rivendell is great to deal with, if you decide to go that way. I have an Atlantis I bought five years ago, when they were "only" $950 for frame and fork, and a Rambouillet demo I got used for $1000 complete (i couldn't afford either one now...). One of the reasons I bought the Atlantis was to alleviate neck and back pain, and the higher bars have really helped.
In your case, though, could you make some changes to your current bike? I have albatross bars on an old mountain bike I ride around town (lives under the stairs at work). Stem swaps are easy and relatively cheap, too (if you have a quill stem, Rivendell has a selection that should put the bars where you need them). My singlespeed frame is a little too small for me, but I put on a Nitto stem and mustache bars (upside down--looks weird but works great), and I'm completely comfortable on it now.
By all means, if you want a new bike and can afford it, go for it. But if money's a problem, there may be a cheaper way to go.