Advice needed! ~750USD To Spend on XC Bike

OK, I've been riding since I can remember but I am moving west and south to Santa Clara, CA, and I'm wanting to find a bike that is right for me.

I'm 6'4", 190lbs, and I love to ride long runs, say about 70-80km runs or so, on trails. I haven't really daddled in the 'scene' lately, so my trails I would say will have 1-2 foot drops, some jumps, but mainly just rocks/roots etc. Ascents are very important as well.

I am quite sure I want a hardtail, as I would rather spend the dough on good components than on a mediocre FS. Plus, if it can't be locked out or have some sort of bob protection, I don't want it.

So, what bikes are right for me? My bike now that I am leaving behind is a ... Trek ... Old Trek hehe. I've scratched off the number on the frame, but something like a 9200 or so, its a carbon fibre frame with Rock Shox Judy on the front To me the sport is about riding, not drooling over the latest components so don't take me for someone new to the entire thing hehe.

I'm noticing that a lot of frames are looking like those dirt jumper bikes the kids are riding these days, where the seat steam rides a bit lower and the front looks like its raked up. Is this the best frame for XC? A couple of years back I rode some Rocky Mountain frames, I loved those bikes.

I have NO problem buying used, or buying an older year. Disc brakes at this moment are a must, I'm tired of v-brakes and riding on other bikes, especially tough downhills, makes me long for the loving of discs. I'd rather have a higher quality frame and derailleur then the best possible forks available... then again if there is an older FS bike that will fit the bill, well, let me know.

THANKS!