I'm thinking of getting into tubes, what do you

I had a SP9-III, later a BAT vk5i, which was much better. Now using a Joule Electra LA-150, like that best of all. I think the more recent ARC preamps outperform the 9. They change models so frequently, that I have a tough time keeping them all straight.

A good friend uses a vk3i with his Mag 3.5s, BAT vk-500 ss amp, nice combo, too. Either the BAT or later ARCs would be good matches for you, IMHO.
Spencer

Thanks for all of your advice. But do any of the BAT models have 2 tape loops?

I don't think they do. Maybe CAT?

Thanks again Swampwalker. After much consideration, I'm thinking about going with a later ARC preamp like the LS 16 mkII or one of the BAT models. It will work as long as the preamp has 1 tape loop and at least 1 set of aux inputs. It would need two sets of aux inputs if it doesn't have phono. (Yes, I'm an analog junkie--tape and vinyl.)

Get a separate phono stage. Most internal ones aren't competitive for the money.

Spencer