Ideas for Pre/Power $9000?

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. 

You may be happier with an integrated.

Two directions you should investigate are McIntosh and Parasound, with polar opposite mid/treble sounds but robust power.

All the other brand combinations I can think of would be better for jazz, instrumental, folk, classical.

Another direction might be a top-end NAD integrated.

@lfromsalem 

A McIntosh MA 8950 will suit you fine. You should be able to buy new for $8K. Do not be afraid of an integrated. This unit has a killer DA2 DAC module and MM/MC phono stages. Although this is total overkill for your system, you can build upon this MAC well into the future. You would just need a streamer in addition, for which you would have an extra $1K if you were able to buy the McIntosh right. 

What are your reasons for not wanting an integrated? The time has come where integrateds are coming really close to separates performance and offer far more value than the expense of two chassis. 

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'm a metal guy as well. I currently have a Lyngdorf TDIA 3400 and had the smaller 2170 a few years ago. Amazing sound quality IMO and the Room correction is a must have for me. Music especially metal sounds much better after room correction. There's a lot going on and its fast. Sounds like a blur comparatively with room perfect off. It's like it just times everything out perfectly when it hits your ears. Something to consider. Can pick up a loaded used one for around 4k. 8kish new. 

It would do wonders in your non treated regular ole family room! :-)