New audio setup?

The Yamaha A-S201 is like a phono stage, preamp and amplifier all built into one unit.  While it is very convenient to have it all in one unit, it is not going to be as good sound quality than higher end separates devices (like the Schiit equipment).  However, the Schiit separates are definitely more expensive.

A preamp, and a phono preamp are two different things. They have different amounts of gain (phono has more, because the output of a turntable is lower then other sources, like a cassette deck, tuner, or DAC), and the way a phonograph works is that records aren't recorded like a cassette is. In order for it to play the music it needs an EQ, and a phono preamp has what's called an RIAA EQ built in. Basically without the EQ, it doesn't sound right, even if you had the extra gain. This has to do with how the records are made I think. Sorry, I'm a digital guy, and hopefully somebody, besides myself, can explain it better to you. But that's the gist of it. You could just buy a Little Bear tube phono preamp at Amazon too. They're very reasonable, like under $100. Good luck. BTW I agree with the Vidar idea. That will make a great setup. 

Great point about the 2 Vidars. They definitely won't do well below 8 Ohms. Besides, there's other alternatives out there if you really want mono blocks. Which are great, but not necessary really. Kind of a bonus. You could also look for a true dual mono stereo power amp. That's a great way to get almost mono block sound, but not use up as much room, or money. 

The Vidar looks like a really nice amp (which doubles its power into 4 ohms). Sorry about the monoblock suggestion, I missed the fact that monos are only rated into 8 ohms.