I felt exactly the same immediately after my purchase of the 225 due to not owning a preamp. However, I was fortunate enough to have been blessed with a Bent TAP-X falling into my lap......for the second time. That said, I think I would love to have the integrated, or even still, have a listen to the preamp when it comes out. I've had some serious listening sessions in the last three days and I've come to a point where I think my 225 has reached its "breaking in" point. It always sounded amazing but I think a few days ago it hit the mark for final break in. I've said this before but here it is again: every time I listen to this amp, I shake my head in disbelief to the sound I'm getting.