I am in the market for a $ 5-6 k monoblock amplif

Class D is still evolving and in my opinion the currrent menagarie of Class D amps will not bring long term satisfaction.

Markwatkiss,

I just built Hypex UCD400HG with HXR monoblocks using Neotech wire, a Furutech IEC & Furutech RCAs and I must tell you that it has bettered my Berning ZH270 significantly in all areas. There is not one area that my Berning is better. It isn't even close to put it mildly. And if you do a search, I think you will find the Berning is a very highly regarded amp.

IMHO, Class D has most definitely arrived and it body-slammed my Berning.

You don't indicate how much power you want. Monarchy Audio has 2 hybrid monoamps that are just below or in your range. Both use either* a 12AT7 or 6922** for Voltage gain, a bunch of MOSFETS for output devices, and NO negative feedback, global or local. The SE-160s sell (direct) for $2400/pr. and are rated at 160Watts into 8 or 320 into 4. The SE-250s are more expensive and more powerful.

Monarchyaudio.com. Owner's name is CC Poon.

After auditioning a pair of his smaller amps, I just ordered a pair of 160s for my 89dB-sensitive Audio Physic Avanti IIIs. The smaller amps sounded great; I wanted a warmer tonal balance and more power.

* apparently the owner is transitioning from the 6922 (et al) to the 12AT7, and since these amps are made to order, you get a choice.

** 6922, 6DJ8, 6CG7, 6FQ7, 6N1P, etc.
.

+3 on the Rogue Audios especially, if you're looking for a tube sound.  Fantastic sound in that price range, you need to really take a listen.  If you're looking for a SS amp, I would put the Parasound JC1 and Hegel H20 on your list.  

I suggest you look at the Hypex Ncore NC400 Bridged Monoblock CLASS D Power Amplifiers.  The cost for this model is $2,980 plus shipping. 

I purchased the Hypex NCore Class D amps from James Romeyn Music and Audio, LLC (James). He was very helpful answering my many questions and I suggest you contact him for more information on his assembled Hypex amplifiers (he offers 3 models). Please see:

http://jamesromeyn.com/old-pages/home-audio-gear/hypex-ncore-nc400-build-service-on-time-or-free-bui...

Choose from Three Hypex Amplifiers

1. Stereo powered by Hypex SMPS1200A400, 600W @ 2 Ohm, 1 Ohm minimum, $1,490/each, 1200W Hypex power supply for 600Wpc, dimensions 2.8″ x 9.8″ x 12″ (70 x 250 x 308mm), 8.5 lbs (3.9 Kg), specify face plate finish: black or natural aluminum. 

2. Bridged Mono Bloc powered by SMPS1200A400, 1200W @ 2 Ohms, 1 Ohm minimum, $2,980/pair, 1200W Hypex power supply, dimensions 2.8″ x 9.8″ x 12″ (70 x 250 x 308mm), 8.5 lbs (3.9 Kg), specify face plate finish: black or natural aluminum.  I own this model.

3. Regular Mono Block powered by Hypex SMPS600, $1,900/pair, 600W power supply, specify faceplate finish: plain black, black with NCore logo, plain natural aluminum.

This is my first class D power amplifier and, based on my results, sounds terrific.  I am thrilled with how good my system sounds.  I am hearing details, imaging and bass that I have not heard before.  Of course, everyone has a different opinion on this subject.  You never know “how it really sounds”, until you listen in your room and audio system.

NOTES:   I am using the Bricasti volume control and do not have a pre-amplifer in my system.  We adjusted the Hypex NCore NC400 mono-block power amplifiers so that it accepts a higher incoming signal meaning I can move my Bricasti M1 SE DAC volume control closer to zero.  After conversations with Bricasti, Hypex and James (James Romeyn Music and Audio, LLC), we decided to remove the R141 (circuit) from my Hypex NCore NC400 bridged mono blocks, thus lowering gain by 14 dB, requiring 14 dB higher M1 volume setting for same playback level.  This is more complicated than I expected but it solves the problem.  When you connect the Bricasti M1 DAC to a power amplifier, you have to balance the M1 DAC to the power amplifier in order to achieve your M1 volume settings CLOSE to 0db.