IMHO synergy between amp and your speakers of choice is more important. I would start with Speaker – Amp pair and then selected preamp and front end.
Generally speaking I would stay with products of the same manufacturer. I lived with BAT Vk-5i + Vk-60 + Vk-P5(phonostage) for a while. Works very well with moderate to high sensitivity speakers. Could be had for slightly over $5000. You will have some money left for tube upgrade, interconnects etc.
Generally speaking I would stay with products of the same manufacturer. I lived with BAT Vk-5i + Vk-60 + Vk-P5(phonostage) for a while. Works very well with moderate to high sensitivity speakers. Could be had for slightly over $5000. You will have some money left for tube upgrade, interconnects etc.