Best Amp for under 10K?

Don't forget the Pass X350, and ditto on the Plinius SA250 MKIV.

Classe CAM 350s are marvelous, especially with a tube preamp. I haven't been able to find a justification for paying more to replace them, and unfortunately I usually can. Question is whether you need all that power, however. The 200s are supposed to be very good, but whether they're as good I can't say.

Stanford,

Since you do own one of the best speakers, I believe you should at only consider the finest options to you.
I am thinking here about;
Jeff Rowland Model 10 at slightly over $7000 and Goldmund 28M at $8850.
IMO they are the best amplifiers on the market under 10K and have more than proven record with your speakers from Sound Factory.
I hope this helps, happy listening

In ten grand ballpark tube gear, I like the Atma-Sphere MA-1 Mk2.2 in an OTL amp, or the Wolcott Presence in a push-pull tube amp, or the DeHaviland GM-70 in an SET amp. Disclaimer - I'm a dealer for Atma-Sphere and Wolcott.

In ten grand ballpark solid state, I like the Clayton M-100 monoblocks or big S-2000 stereo amp, depending on how much power you need. I'm having a hard time coming up with another solid state amp I like as much in the same price ballpark. Yup, I sell the Claytons, too.

In used gear, if you like a sweet midrange and don't mind giving up some dynamics and bottom end, the Pass Aleph series was among the nicest sounding solid state amps ever made.

This short list is by no means complete, as I'm sure it leaves out many worthy contenders. The thing to do is not to get the "best amp", but to get the best amp for your speakers. Since I'm not familiar with the sound and requirements of your speakers, I really can't make a specific recommendation.

Best of luck to you in your quest!

Go find the Pass Labs equipment. I'd put it up against ANYTHING regardless of price... I'm not kidding!

I hate to say it, but you might also take another look at your preamp... Take your preamp with you and audition the X600's with it. Then compare it to the X0 preamp...

I promise, you will be blown away! Very tube-like without the hassle!

There is a reason why Nelson Pass is so well known... Go listen and you'll understand why...

Steve

PS - No, I'm not a dealer and I have no relation to Pass. Have simply been blown away by his equipment... Simply a whole step above what else is currently available...