antique sound 1009

The Antique SOund Lab 1009 (Now the Cadenza) is a very nice amplifier but there is truly no accurate answer to your question. There are a LOT of options in the $10K range.

You might consider narrowing down your inquiry. Power? SET? Mono blocs? ETC!!!

What speakers you intend to drive would also be helpful. Again, way too many options.

The list of tubed amplifiers better than the ASL 1009 or whatever its' morphed into under $10K is extensive. Be it SET, OTL, PP, etc. your choices include BAT, VAC, Atma-Sphere, Joule, Art Audio, CAT, Lamm, ARC,Thor, Quicksilver, Rogue and on and on. All of these offer superior build quality and higher reliability.

Remember the penny wise and dollar foolish adage.

Definetely agree with AudioFeil's comments.Buy from a reputable long established manufacturer,why spend your hard earned money on questionable chinese knock offs.

I had a pair and sold them for four reasons:

1)I discovered I don't want to bias

2)The thought of of dropping $2k on NOS 845's alone didn't appeal to me

3)Too much heat output for my application

4)Too heavy to move around

They were used on Merlin MX's and Vandy 5A's to good effect.