AMP or Preamp

I am not a tube guy but recently I heard a Line Magnetic integrated that is supposed to be a new release and costing $5K. It was driving a Wilson speaker costing $16K (I forgot the name). It sounded pretty good and the 2 other tube guys (long time audiophiles) in the room were raving about it. I preferred the sound of a Luxman 509x integrated with another speaker but I am not crazy about tubes.

You may want to give MIke a call from the link below and ask him for some Wilson advice. That is where I heard the Line Magnetic.
https://www.excelaudio.us/

https://line-magnetic.eu/en/products-line-magnetic-en/integrated-tube-amplifier-line-magnetic-en

BTW - I have a preamp and amp I want to get that cost $15K each. A little rich for my wallet so I am going to first try the Benchmark LA4 preamp ($2500) with the $15K amp. I think it will work and there is a 30 day free home trial. Not sure if you will like that preamp with your Rotel. This pre is supposed to not add any flavor to the sound.

https://benchmarkmedia.com/collections/preamplifiers

I should add that you may want to give the Benchmark AHB2 amp a demo (30 day free home trial). It is small, light, $3K, and sounds great. Supposedly the quietest amp you can buy. I am buying this amp again (sold it) as a backup and to use in the summer. My room is hot with computer equipment.

https://benchmarkmedia.com/collections/amp/products/benchmark-ahb2-power-amplifier

I don’t think you need to spend a ton to get you up the ladder in sound quality with those Wilsons.

Here's a thought to get you started that won't cost a thing.  Read Roger Sanders white paper on tubes vs. Transistors.  You might find this helpful. You can track I this down on his website; Sanders sound systems. 

Consider the number of sources you will be using.  If you get a good DAC with a volume control you can skip the separate preamp and use it with your existing amplifiers for a while.  Something like a benchmark dac3 hgc is what I'm thinking about. 

Take your time.  Don't be in a hurry.  Enjoy the music and the journey. 

With respect to amplification Audio Research (tubes) and Pass (solid state) both seem to be popular pairings with Wilson speakers.

An interesting post in this thread:

Jmwick 12-30-2017
I have the Sasha 2 powered by the ARC Reference 75 SE which is more than adequate. Prior to my purchase I did a fair amount of research, and on two sites it was reported that Wilson used the Ref 75 to voice the Sasha 2 s.
My dealer had the Sashas setup in the  showroom with the Ref 75 SE for demo purposes and he knows his stuff owning the same store since 1977. He did hook them up with the Ayre mono blocks which also sounded quite good ( a lot more money ), but to my ears I preferred the ARC.
My listening room is 21x15.

There are presently three used Audio Research Ref 75 (non-SE) power amplifiers listed for sale here, for less than $5K, and for less than $4K in one of those cases. Note though that the ARC Reference series amps provide only balanced inputs, and will not work properly if provided with single-ended inputs via RCA-to-XLR adapters.

Regarding phono stages, personally I would not let the inclusion of a phono stage be a factor in selection of a preamp or integrated amp. It would most likely be best to add a separate phono stage at a later date, such as the superlative Herron that was mentioned.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

Well nob, I think you did the absolutely right thing. To Hell with the nay-sayers!

Buy speakers first and then upgrade everything to that level. I bought Magnepan Tympani 1a's in 1973, because they were the absolute best to my ears. Paired them with solid state kit electronics, because that's all the money that was left over. Eventually upgraded to all ARC, over 5 years. What a journey! Great fun at every stage! Take your time!! Audition and enjoy!!!

Just in case anyone tries to sell you expensive cabling, I suggest that you buy the cheapest cabling you can find. I mean, real cheap. Like $50 a pair, max. Spend your money where everyone agrees that it counts - electronics, turntable, everywhere but cables.

After you've got your system where you want it, then and only then fine tune it with cables. Try out loaners in your system in your own sweet time. If something proves its worth, then by all means buy it. But cabling is a great way to spend much money for little benefit - the worst cost/benefit ratio in audio, IMO. YMMV

Good luck! Have fun!!