Ideas for Pre/Power $9000?

for the list battle....

there is a best value curve at each price range, and let's say 4K for integrated and 5K for speakers: there are fantastic options.

for integrated I know and trust; Musical Fidelity, Parasound, Rotel, Primare, even Hegel fits the budget

for speakers; Dynaudio, Revel, KEF, MoFi, Revival, Totem, Monitor Audio, CSS, Triangle

Belles Aria Signature. BAT VK3000se being closed out. Gato Amp 150. All $4000-$5000 new. I own or have owned all 3 and all are terrific. 

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. 

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.

@lfromsalem Check out the Paradigm Founders speakers, then report back your findings/preferences.  This would help us to narrow down other choices.  The Paradigm Founders got great reviews, seemingly a high value choice.

A used Hegel H360/H390 with the DAC is a popular/safe option.  

Agree - choose the speaker first, then compatible electronics.

Preamp+Amp vs Integrated - A separate preamp, amp, and DAC may make more sense if you plan to upgrade individual components later, but is more costly in extra boxes and cabling. An Integrated is a better economic "value" but cannot later update individual components.  

I'm excited for you - a $9k speaker+integrated update should be a major sonic uptick.  

Demoing speakers is best, ideal if in own system. But finding local stores can be difficult.  I demoed high-end stores in SF Bay Area and LA area, went to major audio shows like AXPONA, T.H.E Show, RMAF (RIP), Pacific Audio Fest before choosing my speakers.  I purchased an AXPONA demo pair.