Can someone point me in the right direction? LP player / Preamp / Dragonfly Red...

The Power Rating of the 8.1 is 40 to 300 watts RMS. That is a wide range and it would be to your benefit to move up to higher power and not be near the recommended minimum.

I agree.  Anyone know of a higher power Amp in the 400-500 range that is of some descent quality?  I don't need a Receiver, just an Integrated Amp, or a 2 Channel Amp.  

And isn't it strange though on the A-9050 that the 8 ohm rating is higher than the 4 ohm rating?  Shouldn't that be the other way around?

Suggest you look for a used integrated in the classified section or on US Audio mart dot com.

I visited a pretty amazing HiFi store today (was in AWE of all the gear connected and on display - stuff that's way out of my league unfortunately).  The owner was really knowledgeable and we spoke for some time about my setup and where I was trying to get.  I advised me to get the TT and a preamp now and start enjoying the LP's, then worry about the Amp later...  I bashed everything that wasn't American or British made lol and recommended the Rega P1 and Rega Fono Mini to get me into the game.  His prices were good and I want to support him.  I left convinced of his wisdom, but thought I ask here for input on that trajectory.  TT now and Amp later???  

lowrider57 TY for that link!  Bookmarked.

I advised me to get the TT and a preamp now and start enjoying the LP's, then worry about the Amp later...  I bashed everything...

That should read "He" and not "I" in both instances above.  No idea how that happened