Amati Homage

my choice is:as a ss goldmund,as a tube VAC for amatis

All the way GOLDMUND 28.4M or 29M.... you may try Spectral with them too. Although they are not the best Sound Factory speakers. (old stuff still better)
Good luck.

I'd go with tubes..stereophile reviewed them using CJ prem 12's but with your budget you could get used CJ prem 8's and
for pre the CJ 16ls.

I heard solid state on them and hated it. I was fatigued after a very short time. I would recommend tubes.

I have also heard the BAT vk-150se amps and vk-50se preamp with the Amati's and it was GORGEOUS sound. It is a bit more than you want to spend, however it is something to shoot for.

I would vote for the Blue Circle BC 3000 preamp and new AG 8000 hybrid monoblocks. Just the right amount of oomph for that 4 ohm impedance and enough soul to make those lovely creatures dance. Solid state with Sonus Faber is a no-no.

rneill