I have a 2013 Masi Gran Criterium. Glad I got it when I did because they changed the color for 2014 to one I didn't like as well. I love it, and have put 2250 mi., including two centuries, on it since I got it new in 9/13. I negotiated the LBS I got it from down to $1600. MSRP was a little over $2k.
Soma and Surly also make good, reasonably priced steel frames. I chose steel after focusing on a 105 or Rival equipped CF bike. I liked the CF, and the GC was 4 lb. heavier (22lb) than the Evoluzione, but I can take way more than 4 lb. off my fat azz, liked the feel of it a little better than the CF, and prefer the classic straight tube/lug frame look.
Masi Bikes - Steel - Gran Criterium