Haven't tried it myself yet but the PS Audio GCPH can drive an amp directly and some swear this is the way to do it. The GCPH is extremely flexible if under $1000 is where your budget lies(or even if it doesn't).
Another thought is considering you have a Hovland amp why not one of the Hovland preamps. I know its a full function preamp and has more inputs than you'll need, but it is an active linestage and would eliminate the potential issues that Mingles brought up. Should have great synergy with your amp too.
It has a high gain that can be directly connected to a power amp. I have used it both directly with Linn power amp and via Rogue Magnum preamp. I also felt something was missing with direct hookup even though it was subtle.
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