another rookie question - preamp or or power amp

@lanx0003 I have been looking at the Parasound 2125 at an auction which is why I mentioned it

@shtinkydog close! I will message you, I am already experimenting with the higher quality sound thanks to a generous member

@grislybutter , depending on your sources, and with careful choices, you might not need a “preamp”.

You'll never regret having the best preamp you can afford. If you aren't passing the best signal though a decent preamp the best amp in the world won't do you any good. I've found amps that were better than I though all because I'm using a PS Audio BHK preamp.

You should save the $400 and continue to add to it. Your room is normal size. My room is the same size. Would I prefer to have a larger room? Absolutely, but we’ve down sized due to retirement. I’d recommend acquiring a system to fit your room rather than simply building a system that doesn’t fit your room.

You can acquire lots of used gear, many at excellent prices if you diligently search. But for me I’d concentrate on saving in order to acquire gear that’s worthy of your room.

@jnovak @unsound 

it seems to be opposing views to me - no preamp vs best preamp but I know the devil is in the details.

Thank you for all the feedback, it gives me a lot of different options and approaches to try!