spend more money on pre or power amp ?

If you have a good system and you are still feeling harsh there is a very good chance that your room is the problem. Clap your hands and if it sounds harsh or reverbs try deadening the room out before you run and spend tons of money to upgrade your system.

In my experience, matching the amp to the speakers is critical. I would think that in the $10K range, personal preference will determine how much you spend on each. I'd spend as much as it takes to get an amp that works with your speakers, then get a neutral preamp that doesn't ruin what you have.

I'm in "Bigkidz" camp, go broke on the source.

My experience is that the preamp is much more important than the amp. I did a comparison between three McIntosh preamps - the C42, C2200, and the C200, and the preamp-part of my McIntosh integrated MA 6500, on the one side, and the power amp section of the MA 6500, and a McIntosh MC352 power amp on the other side. The sound changed only a little, when I substituted the MA6500 power amp section for the MC352. But it changed dramatically when I ran the power amps with the better preamps. So I would definitely go with the preamp first. Having said that, I agree with tbrros: With your kind of already a very good system, I think your room might be the problem. I have listedned to the Wadia and to your Classé - both units already belong to the smoothest sounding on the market. So better check your room acoustics before you burn your money on new equipment, ending up with the old problems

You don't mention what cables you use. A warmer sounding cable such as Cardas,Transparent,MIT,Purist,Analysis Plus would do alot to rectify your problems. You have good speakers and CDP. Spend your money on a great amp. I believe the VMPS needs alot of current so think solid state. Some SS that tend to the warmer side are: Ayre,BAT,Blue Circle,Llano,Clayton,Pass Labs,Plinius,Jeff Roland. It's all about system synergy. Hope this helps. Enjoy listening.