Best value amplifier under or near $6K

I would take a serious look at a used Asthetix Atlas amp, it is hybrid with tubes and SS technology. New it is $8k.

If I was spending that kind of money on amps, my audition list would be: Arion Audio RS 500, Odyssey Audio Stratos Mono Extremes (full upgrade), Butler Audio TDB 2250, Moscode 402Au (now on sale). I've heard various versions of all these amps, and they are all excellent, IMHO.

ARC DSi200 Integrated Stereo Amplifier

In the solid state realm I saw on Audiogon a Clayon 200 watt amp at $4,700. That is a gre3at deal for an outstanding amp. Or a used McCormack DNA-500. In third place a Modwright KWA-150.

As far as tubes are concerned, if you have a high effriciency speaker the Coinjcident Technology Frankensteins at 8 watts are a truly great amp. Best low powered amp I have aver heard---and by a good margin. At 70 watts, the Coincident Technology Dragons are outstanding. For more power, the Rogue M-180's are very good and priced right. Dehavilland also makes some nice models.

I missed the 'or similar' speaker bit....

yes... choose a speaker... the amp pick will be far easier that way.

'course, if you got to do an amp first, and it's not going to be a tube amp, get one with 200 - 300 wpc output and that will drive a wealth of speakers. BUT the best way is to match the amp with your speakers first... allowing the speakers needs to indicate which amp, in output and topology.