$10K budget. Help

It's been hard for me to wrap my head around the home based dealer thing. How do you find folks? I've always felt strange going to folks home to listen to gear. I've done it twice and had great experiences, but it's just different for me I guess, lol.

My house looks like an audio store.

Z, thats too funny.

Given what I've seen of your preferences I'd look for a used VAC integrated and used Joseph Audio Pulsars. Can't imagine that combo would disappoint or not offer a significant improvement in most areas. Best of luck.