Dear Baltman:
Your first system and my first system have some similarities.
I strongly recommend a used Audio Research LS-3 (not the LS-3B), which goes for $600-$750 on Audiogon. I still own one (it anchors my second system), which I purchased new as part of my first stereo in 1995, which also featured a Bryston 4B-ST. When in production, it was Stereophile "A" rated. It has great synergy with the Bryston. I've also owned Jadis and CAT pre-amps, and currently have a Hovland pre-amp, and could live happily with the LS-3 in my primary system, as it is that good. And, yes, it has two outputs, so you can drive an amp and subwoofer.
I recommend Kimber Select 1011 all-copper interconnects with your equipment (+/- $225 for 1 meter lengths on Audiogon), but I used an Audioquest between my Audio Research and Bryston for the first few years.
As should be done with most hi-end equipment (except tube power amps and solid-state amps with Class-A output stages), be certain to leave the pre-amp on 24 hours a day so it doesn't break and so it is properly warmed up.
Good luck.
