Many thanks to the many answers and insights shared. There’s a lot to distill and there are of course one hundred and one different directions one can go, based on integrated vs. separates, what matches/is able to drive my GE One.R:s and, not least, budget.
I currently have the Emotiva Xda-3 preamp and the Emotiva XPA-DR2 power amp.
From what I have been able to gather so far, it may make sense to stick with the power amp (550 watts RMS into 8 Ohms, at <0.1% THD. 800 watts RMS into 4 Ohms at <0.1% THD) as then I don’t have to worry about matching the tube amp to my speakers (nor needing the tube power amp budget…) but to shoot for a tube preamp. It’ll be fed, as is the Xda-3 today, from a Rega P8 with a MC through a Vincent PHO-701 hybrid phono pre and by a Cambridge Audio CXN 100 network streamer/dac.
So I need at least two inputs, preferably at least one being balanced (from the CXN), preferably 1-2 more.
I would say my tube preamp budget is $2000 (+/-), and I don’t mind a used one if it’s in great shape and good value.
Suggestions for which preamp with nice price/performance and feeling the ss power amp would be much appreciated, given the above aspects I need to consider.
Thanks!