Ideas for Pre/Power $9000?

Ouch. I'm working with what I could get at the time. I hope to upgrade my speakers in the future. Unfortunately my biggest concern is regarding the pre/power or an integrated amplifier for now.

I'll have to try and check them out. Any suggestions on brands?

Thanks! I'll try and contact them this week.

I'm absolutely open to used. As far as future speaker upgrades, I've only heard a couple B&W and they didn't really blow me away. 

As far as the MA5300, I don't really want to go with an integrated, but I'm not opposed to Mcintosh. 

Integrated/receivers are all I've ever had. I figured going separates would offer better upgrade options for the digital side🤷‍♂️. 

Regarding my music preference, it seems like most folks write off modern metal as super compressed and low quality. I don't believe that is the case across the board. One of my favorite bands, Between the Buried and Me, are extremely dynamic and the recordings are quite good.

I'll definitely keep some form of room correction in mind. Thank you!

Dang. I realize that the Elacs are not high-end, but I didn't guess I'd have to toss them out before upgrading the amps.

@mofojo 

I was in the process of looking at speakers when my current amp went down. So I had to switch gears. Unfortunately I don't have many options local to me. B&W, Paradigm are pretty much it. I'll have reevaluate my game plan.

Much appreciated to all who replied! 

@soix Well I was only looking at speakers before my amp went down. As far as the replacement item i was budgeting for buy one more time, cry one more time. Hahaha

@dekay Great advice. I guess it's back on the speaker hunt. As I'm not really interested in buying, then selling an integrated. Just don't believe i have the time & energy for all that.

@dekay the thought of trying to sell off more used equipment (since it sounds like i gotta off load my current speakers) isn't very appealing. 

@kerrybh my local store sells Anthem & Paradigm. I can go check those out. Although those Persona 3s are looking too rich for me $10k for a pair.

@rocray Always open to used. 

@tweak1 I struggle with the idea of staying with an integrated. And unfortunately I have no way of auditioning either of your suggestions. 

I'm definitely reconsidering my allocation. Also keeping integrated amps on the table.

@tunefuldude I will definitely take your advise and look into the brand. Sounds interesting for sure.

@jl35 I'm thinking analog integrated maybe the ticket for me.

I'm going to try and split the budget between an integrated and some new speakers. And of course I'll listen to as much as possible, within a reasonable distance from my location.

Why is that? I currently don't have an amplifier, that means no music at all. So by your logic, I should just go without? 

@immatthewj driven by an Anthem STR integrated. Overall crisp bright sound with lots of top end.

@immatthewj 702 signature I believe. 

@immatthewj I'd say that it may have been a case of "too much of a good thing". Anthem brought a bright, snappy sound. Same with the B&W. I tired a few different songs. Not just metal. So I don't believe it was a genre issue. 

@bluethinker I definitely keep an eye on Echo's site!

I'll have to check out Stereotypes.