Looking for advice on amp/pre amps...

Sit down at the computer with pen & paper & start taking notes by searching the archives, both here & at AA. When you've compiled a list of pieces that seem like they fit your listening parameters, then you can start auditioning. Please also research auditioning, taking into account new vs. used vs. bricks & mortar vs. the web.

There are also a few other important considerations, specifically your room & your AC. The room plays a huge role in the overall sound & synergy issues & AC should also be considered. Do some research in these areas too.

That's it in a nutshell & that should keep you busy for many hrs. You'll be glad you took the time to do a little research, as you'll have a better understanding of what's out there & the interplay between it all.

Welcome to A-gon & I suggest you make decisions based on what you hear (in home auditions are best), not what somebody else tells you sounds best, although reviews & suggestions can be a good place to get information. I would be hesitant to make any recommendations based on such a broad question & simply suggest you do some research.

Very true and thats what i'm doing atm, thx for your reply. I guess at this point im going to keep on researching to get my audition list narrowed. Re-reading my original thread i realize that it is a very broad question and does need to be narrowed. Thx again, Bob

Driver is 100% correct. Here are some suggestions for your consideration:
-Prepro and amp for under 2K is difficult to do
-Try getting a good prepro (Audio Refinement Pre2-DSP or NAD T197 are good options)
-Mate it with a good 2ch amp until you can afford to expand your system (Parasound is a great bang for the buck even new, which does give you a warranty)
-By only buying equipment that you can continue to use and buid up from you will not be disappointed by buying everything all at once on a limited budget.

Nerd,

What components do you currently own and intend to use in a future system? Do you have a dedicated CD player, DVD player, VCR? Depending on your answer, there are some other possibilities concerning a "stepped" approach toward a future HT/surround system.

Instead of buying a pre/pro and amp now, you could buy a quality integrated amp (especially one with an HT/processor bypass loop) to power your Paradigms now and have a good 2 channel system. You could then add HT in the future by getting a good HT receiver that has pre-amp outs and you could use it to power your center channel, surrounds, LFE subwoofer and support your digital source components.

If you do it this way, you won't necessarily have to sacrifice any 2-channel sound quality today and then when you add the HT receiver in the future, you will also have good surround sound quality.

There are many great integrated amps on the market today for well under your $2000 budget.

This type of setup has been discussed many times here and on the AudioAsylum forum. Look for subjects like "combining 2-channel and HT". You can also do a forum search using my user name "Reubent" to find my previous comments on this type of setup.

Of course, another option would be to buy a quality receiver now and then buy a quality integrated amp (or power amp) in the furture to improve the 2-channel music portion of the system. The B&K AVR-202 at about $750-900 used would be an excellent choice. Or you could move up the B&K line and still be within your $2k budget. Heck, you might like these receivers so much that you won't feel compelled to spend any more money in the future!

Enjoy,

TIC