with your budget of 9k, pick up a used deHavilland tube preamp for between 1700 and 3000. Then a used Bryston 14b3 amp for 6000-7000. I have this combo and love the music I hear.
Ideas for Pre/Power $9000?
Currently need to replace a receiver. I don't have many local options for auditioning. My system consists of the following; Elac Debut F6, Pro-Ject Debut Pro, Pro-Ject S2 stage, NAS and streaming. I listen in a regular ol' family room with no treatments. Mostly like metal genre. Budget is $9k ish.