Best Tube Amp under 10K?

There is no one best amp. It is all in the eye, or in this case, the ear of the beholder. In any comparison, the result depends upon who is making the comparison, the other equipment, the listener's musical preferences, the listener's financial resources, the listening space, and the listener's personality.

That being stated, I have a BAT VK-60 with a Wadia 850 (directly connected, no pre) and Gallo 3.0. I'm on the 3rd amp, the 3rd pair of speakers and the 3rd CD player. Third time is definitely a charm. My musical preferences include classic, rock and jazz. This system has given me many hours of enjoyment. The VK-60 is definitely magic and looks good as well (especailly when the lights are down low). SET, but without the normal disadvantages of SET.

It was, however, not until I did the acoustical treatments that the system really came alive. If I change this amp, it will be for a VK-75 SE.

J

Well 6 years later and I have owned a few of the amps mentioned, such as CJ 5's and 8's--A Defy7 mk4 and the Aeries 845g--and have moved past these. I just think it's hard to find good tubes and pricy as well. SO I moved to the SS arena.--Not to mention my stuff is on, to many hours and I use up the tubes quicker than most.
I had and loved the Belles 350a ref;till it failed and I now have the CJ 350 coming this week.---Opps, seems like I am now in the wrong thread as a ss owner.

Quicksilver Triodes.

Belles 350-Reference $4000 I sold BAT products and had the VK-150se monoblocks $18k. A single 350-A (older technology) outperformed the BAT amps in all respects but most notably with solid bass that the Tubes couldn't touch. The character of the Belles is so natural sounding as to seem tube like with a easy lelaxed sound that is tonally perfect. Put a great power cord on one and they are over the top. Every reveiwer who has had his hands on one has remarked that the bass detail and accuracy is the best of any amp at any price. Use wire like you would with $30k amps, they warrant it.

yes, the belles is a great amp, until it destroys your speakers.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1172630574&read&keyw&zzbelles

i owned one, and thought the sonics were terrific, but the build quality was suspect. that's why i dont own it any longer.