Catboy: I am very happy with my current preamp/amp combo. I bought a gently used McIntosh C220 tube-hybrid preamp from Audio Classics for about $2750. I have an Odyssey Audio Stratos HT3 (with cap upgrade), but if you don't need that third channel, go with a Stratos Stereo Plus amp (includes the cap upgrade) for $1400. If that's too far over budget (and you can't find one used), go with the standard Stratos Stereo for $1200 or the Odyssey Audio Khartago Extreme/SE for $1200 (slightly less power - depends on your room, speaker efficiency and listening preferences - ask Klaus at Odyssey which would be best for you).
Note that both Audio Classics and Odyssey Audio have in-home trial periods, so if it doesn't work for you, you can return them.
I love this combo - it provides pretty much what you're looking for: warm, clean, quiet, with excellent detail, transients that are just right, and good dynamics. The sound stage is dependent on the source material, and can be huge. I also have tremendous image stability. Criticisms? I wish macro dynamics were a little more powerful, and I wish my speakers would dissappear a little better. The treble is clean and clear, but I wouldn't mind a little more of that shimmering quality I've heard on some very expensive rigs. But with this combo, I rarely run into a CD that I can't listen to and enjoy. It is never harsh, brittle or edgy. I rarely use the McIntosh's tone controls, but it's nice to have that capability. I also love the MM phono section and wide-range balance control. And the remote, of course. The Odyssey amps are just a huge bang for the buck - real high end amps at a mid-fi price, IMO.
The rest of my system is in my system link.
