Which is the best solid state poweramp under $9000

Uriah, I am sure the new MC-501 is a great amps. I have not heard it, but the reviews are positive.

Before you spend some major $$ try actively biamping the 3.6R's with the CA400 on the bottom and 301 on top using a Byston 10B Sub crossover. Buy the crossover used. You can easily sell it off if you don't feel it's for you.

This kind of power will really open up the 3.6R's.

That's my 2 Cents

Uriah,I would highly recommend the new Pass Lab's 350.5,which I did a review on recently here on the GON. I won't restate the content of my review,but the the 350.5 is the best amp that has ever powered my MG-20Rs.It replaced a Edge NL-10 that is quite an amp itself but the 350.5 was much better in my system. I do bi-amp my maggies but the Pass should have no trouble powering your 3.6s. The new .5 series is not just an improvement over the original X series but a qualitive shift towards the reference of live music. I hope you at least include this amp in your audtioning process,I think you might be amazed. It retails for 9500.00 but you could get one for less with the right dealer.

Have a listen to Jeff Rowland's 501 mono blocks (500w/ch), they have the power and musicality to suit your B&W802s. Don't let their small footprint discourage you. These sexy looking amps sound wonderfully muscular and refined driving my father in laws B&W803 in a large living room. They also sounded great driving my B&W 804s, however I own the smaller version Jeff Rowland 201s (250w/ch)which sound similar.

Ayve V-1xe should be on your short list as well.

McCormack DNA-2 Revision A, Gold, or Platinum. You may be able to find one at about half the $9000 price.

-IMO