newbie need help on decision on buying an amp

Two situations can arise out of your question. Either your source component and preamp don't have enough output to really drive the KR or the KR is too small of an amp for what you want to do with your system.

If you've had the same sources and preamp with another amp, how far did you have to crank up the volume control and what type of amp was it ? If you were able to achieve good levels with the volume somewhere between 10 o'clock and 1 o'clock, that means that the problem is PROBABLY not in the sources or the preamp.

If the situation is the latter one, you are working the tubes to death. As such, i would NOT advise going this route since you'll be chewing up tubes on a rather fast basis. Sean
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I'm not familiar with your amps, but I'm quite familiar with the Vandsersteen 3a's. They need more power period! Vandersteen audio suggests between 100-200 watts for this speaker. I have ran them with 60 watt tube amplifiers, but have found the bass to be a bit lacking. I have also owned a McCormack DNA-1 while it did drive the 3a's quite nicely, I didn't consider it liquid and tube sounding. But then how could it be? It is not a tube amp.

The Krell pre is a mismatch for a tube amp, I would think your ears got to be bleeding because of the harshness on the highs. It is not a good idea to have a solid state pre combined with a tube amp. If you insist on using solid state then you might try using a tube pre and a solid state amp. Personally I think everyone should run a tube pre and a tube amp.

Go the Rogue route.

There is nothing wrong with Solid State pre. and tube amps. Just do your homework and match inpedance.

If your budget will permit, I'd try the Berning ZH270. It will drive your speakers very well and has the some of the best sonics at any price. Your Vandersteen 3A's will literally sing like songbirds!!

Good Luck,
Chris