New or used???

I apologize for seeming to mislead everyone. My budget for a system is around $10K, and the Bose definitely won't be a part of the system. I was thinking either separate amp and preamp or going with an integrated (I've heard both the Macintosh MA6900 and the Musical Fidelity A1008, and both were great), but any input is much appreciated. I did also hear the Grand Pianos and, although they were impressive, the Cremonas were clearly a big step up.

Nice sounding gear from the UK that has great synergy is the Rega Apollo CD player, Rega P3-24 turntable, integrated amps by either RFD or Roksan (I have the Kandy), and ATC 11 or 19 speakers or B & W 803s. NAD makes great amps, the 372 and M3, both made in China, which can be interchanged for the RFD or Roksan. The whole system will set you back a few thousand.

Jhkear, that clarification will help.

You did not mention what music you like and what your listening priorities are and these would help Audiogoners help you. If your like listening to electronica quite loud, and want to have your lungs vibrate a bit like on the floor of a Moscow danceclub, the 6900 and Cremonas won't cut it (but $10k is more than fine). If you like to listen to closely-miked string quartets (with ever-so-delicate phrasings) more than anything else in the world, you might consider horns (or other efficient speakers) and a low-power single-ended amplifier. There are a range of solutions in between.

I think the MA6900 is decent too, but I would listen around to see if there is anything else which floats your boat.

I also advise searching the forum archives for "$10k" or "$10,000" to see what pops up. There may be quite a few threads asking for similar advice on systems.

I second T_bone's advice and urge you to find some local audio enthusiasts who are willing to guide you. Please take no offense, but IMO the chances of anyone new to the high end walking into a high end salon by themselves and maximizing the return on their $10,000 investment is remote. I don't care how good you think your ears are, it would be like someone unfamiliar with fine wine showing up to a blind tasting and selecting the Grand Cru Bordeaux. And you can't depend on your friendly charismatic retailer having your best interest at heart. Below if the website for the Colorado Audio Society.

Regards

http://www.coloaudio.com/CAS

Here is one for the "buy new" team. The audio gear that I buy new are my BABIES, not someone else's sloppy 2nds. I don't know what you've done with your speaker ports, and frankly, I don't want to know. I want to be the first (and only) one to get friendly with my speaker ports.

Find a good dealer (they ARE out there) and BUY NEW. It's fun. Don't be a scrooge. Buy the right components the first time, buy them new, and keep them.