I've got a basic, directional decision to make.

How about the ah! tjoeb cdp (w/ it's tubed output stage) run directly to an amp? The ah! has remote control volume. New, they're $800 (hard to find used). This setup would require careful matching with an amp. Call up Kevin at upscaleaudio and see what he recommends amp-wise. This way you could have it all--good source, good amp, tubes, and a remote.

Source. Period. Upgrade the amp at a later date. When you do the source, also make sure the interconnects are VERY good. Europa's will show off HUGE differences in I/C's quickly and easily. The guy that recomends dumping the Europa's has OBVIOUSLY never heard them. Again, do the source, with GOOD interconnects, then the amp. Signal Cable makes some very good cables cheap.

Have you considered going with a CDP that has variable output (volume control) so you can go right into the amp with it? This would allow you to get a better CDP and amp, in theory anyway.

One advantage with this setup is there is less signal loss. Remember, every connection is a loss of signal. Every step you can eliminate is a bonus to you.

Unless you are planning to add more sources later (i.e. LP or tuner, etc...) you will never really need a pre-amp.

The thing to keep in mind with a source/amplification question is that no amp will ever restore what the source did not get from the CD. It doesn't matter how good an amp is, it doesn't know what is missing, and if it did it would not know how to replace it.

There is something to be said for a minimalist approach.

Jb3,
I too have the Europa monitor and I am really happy with them. I pair them with Nad equipment--C370 amp and 521i cdp.
The Europas have me itching for the upgrade of my amp and source as I think they have much more to give then I can get out of the Nad stuff. The Nad system (deck and amp considered together) give a rather dry presentation that just doesn't quite grab me. Not bad but I'm not satisfied with it. What a surprise, an audiophile who's not satisfied huh?
Welfed brings up a good point and Roy reccomends Edge, Blue circle, Manley, and Vac amps and Birdland dac. Also if you want to play loud he likes 70 watts tubed and 125 SS. This from an earlier post on the 'Gon. Since I do like to play loud on occasion I know I will need one of the big amps
and that means big bucks. My budget is about the same as yours so I'll be Nad-ing it for a while.
In the meantime I am thinking of picking up a Birdland Odeon lite $500 used and have just bought a used Audio Magic Excalibur IC. I am using all Signal cable now.
So I will be working the source until I can get the big and refined amp I really want. Our systems seem to be developing along similar lines and I am going with the reccomedations Roy gave me. Why not? I like the sound of his speakers.
Hope that is some small help at least.