Wanted:Warm, Sweet preamp.

The underated and often overlooked Mapletree Audio Ultra 4A. Warm, incredibly musical, and detailed. And, it has a tubed phono stage--all for $700. Don't let the price fool you; it can rival any pre 3x its price range. This review says it all: http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/mad4multra_e.html.

Sorry for omitting some details.

I would like to keep it under 5k if possible new or used. Prefably used. Even though I do like the sound of tube amps I would never rule out a SS amp.

I don;t need ultra transparency or detail. But I would like a bit.

I listen to all kind of genre's with Rock, accoustic, classical and opera being my faves and most played.

So pace is important as well although I don;t need the fastest sounding either.

Hope this info helps with recommendations.

ARC LS5MKII or III used. With GNSC mod if you can find one.

Bob Wood
http://www.GreatHomeTheater.com/stereo.html

Then of my original suggestions I'd recommend the Joule LA-100 MkIII. Warmer than the LA-150 IMO.

I would suggest VAC - probably Standard LE will give you most bang for the buck.