Recommended Preamp for pairing an Adcom 555II Amp and Theil CS 3.5 speakers

I am new here. I hope someone can help me out. I am looking for a 500+ watt amp to drive my power hungry Gallo 3.5's. Budget is "UP TO" US$3000. Most people don't ship to Canada. I found one, from a store, in Europe. I couldn't finish the transaction because of language barrier. The guy told me to wire him the money. I thought eBay/Amazon all advise "NOT TO". Then I found a pair of adcom 555 II in my city. 
Questions
1. My first pick is the one from Europe. Is it safe? (US$1600)
2. Demo the pair of adcom in my space (US$700)
3, buy new emotiva XPA-DR2 US$1800 or a pair of XPA-DR1's US$2500
Any input is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
DonRua
Canada

Hey don, I'm from Canada too.  I have bought a great deal by ordering from American dealers and have it shipped to US border towns then go down and pick it up.  I'm guessing that you live too far from the border to make this feasible.

Audiogon is a great place to buy at, and their is a similar site in Canada, it's called canuckaudiomart.com.  I've sold and bought many items there over the years. 

I think that the European option is risky for you.  Are you aware that Adcom is still in business.  I bought the 555 amp from them last year.  They are based in Arizona and ship anywhere in the world.  Check out Adcom.com or Adcom-USA.com.  to make your $3000 budget you'd want to limit to about $2000 US, and shipping may be free.  But you may get a GST or other tax charge when the item shows up at your door.  It should all be under a total of $3000 Cdn.

Good luck with whatever you decide.