Need complete stereo help starting with preamp

For a tubed unit check out the Audio Note SORO; it comes in phono or linestage versions. Very powerful for the rated 17 watts and great sounding, too. Not sure of the specs on your speakers. If the rated sensitivity is less than 88db and the resistance is less than 8 ohms it may not be the best match.

Audiomat Prelude/Arpege can be had for just over a grand at about 1200 and it is a superior unit. It has a linestage only, though. So, if you need a phono input you'd have to acquire a dedicated phono unit. They start at around 100 and go up into the 1000s.

I agree an integrated amp is the way to go for simplicity and value. Over the last few years there have been a few integrateds in my system. The Audio Refinement Complete is a beautiful sounding amp but has no phono section. I am now using a Roksan Kandy III and couldn't be happier. It sounds terrific, is ruggedly built and has a nice phono preamp. Prior to those amps I had a Sony TA-F707ES. You can pick those up used. They are built to last forever, loaded with features and sound quite nice in direct mode.
The point is there are a number of fine integrated amps on the market in your price range. Decide what's important to you sound and feature wise, do some research, and enjoy the hunt. Good luck.

Rogue Tempest Magnum intergrated.Tubed.Nice.

Hmmm- How about the Audio Refinement Complete (I've had one, it is a very nice, neutral unit) and a Lehman Black Cube with the upgraded power supply. Should be able to stay under $1k used.

For $1200 and some very cautious and patient shopping on the used market, you can have a preamp / power amp that is staggeringly good for the money invested. If you are in a hurry and want to do this now while the cash is still in your pocket, you'll have to go with what you can find that will suit your needs. If you want to buy new, you'll end up with an integrated. If buying used here on Agon, you can do either one and end up with very nice sounds. Sean
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