Best combo - integrated amp/ speakers/$8,000

My current setup has worked out fantastically. It's the Monitor Audio GR-60's, powered by an Electrocompaniet ECI-3. If you have the funds available, you can even go one better and try the GR-60's with the Electrocompaniet ECI-4 (ECI-3's big brother). I found them to complement each other fantastically. The MA's have an astounding midrange and tight, accurate bass. The highs can be a bit bright when paired with the wrong anxilliary equipment, but the warmth of the Electrocompaniet's work a treat.

The Plinius 9200 is my favourite of the integrated amps currently on the market.$3,500

The Soliloquy 6.3is is outstanding, if the 6.3i is anything to judge by. 25Hz–20kHz; 90db; 8 ohms; 8–300 watts; 9" W X 44" H X 13" D; 100 lbs $3,400

And you have $1,100 left over for cables and music.

I'd go with a Bel Canto SS amp and a pair of SP Technology Continuums, as space seems to be an issue.

For what it is worth.

MF A308CR Integrated
B&W 803
With SR cabeling

Good Luck in your search.

Thanks for the thoughtful comments. I should have said something about my personal preferences. I listen almost exclusively to "classical" music. A lot of piano and guitar music. And a lot of opera. Once in a while some jazz, but increasingly less often. I don't care at all about hi-fi fireworks. I value accurate timbre reproduction above all else. And at this point, I don't want a system that's overly tweaky.

That is why I focused on a reliable integrated valve amp and a pair of good mini-monitors. Quicksilver has a reputation of making valve gear that will last forever. Is the same true for BAT and VAC (and others). Which of the many small monitors out there is really the best Quad substitute? The deCapo MM? Spendor? Harbeth?

Some of you have given me some nice insight into htis. Thank you again.