IIRC, Andy Wallace lives in New Jersey. Can anyone up north confirm if even the name brand studios can hold "the rate"? $1300 a day seem normal to everyone ? May include an assistant and PTHD...In my experience, an engineers rate is directly tied to his popularity and last few records successes, not the least bit related to his/her TALENT, so don't be shy, call the guys you always wanted to work with.
For what it's worth, I met Tim Gilles a few years ago, found him to be funny, smart and engaging. Bought a few records he worked on, sounded ripper. Big Blue Meenie should do you right.