If you are good with tubes, I'd suggest a Rogue Cronus Magnum III for $3,495 or the "Dark" edition for $4,495.....I got to hear both recently and was very impressed. 100WPC, 4 ohm stable, MM & MC phono, headphone amp, and a very attractive unit. That would still leave you with $6,500 or $5,500 for speakers.....used Sonus Faber, Joseph Audio, Fyne Audio, Focal, Revel Salon 2, Yamaha NS-5000
The $10,000 Question
I've upgraded my upstream components, and am in the hunt for a new amp and speakers. There is a dizzying array of choices, and one could go bankrupt with the buy-try-return method. I'm looking for some guidance on amp-speaker combinations, either used or new, in the $10,000 range for both. If I can narrow the search down to two or three amp/speaker choices it would make the buy-try-return plan much more reasonable.
I prefer tubes and space is limited to an integrated amp. My room is 15'x15', and and I primarily listen to classical music at modest volumes (which would allow conversation if my wife yells at me to turn it down). I'm replacing 20+ year old Forest Totems and a Prima Luna Dialogue One amp. My upstream components are a Cambridge CD transport with a Jolida Glass FX III DAC, and a refurbished Sota Star with a Jolida JD-9 phone stage.
Thanks in advance for your insight and guidance.
John Cotner
New Ulm, MN