suggestions for preamp/amp combos

Spendors sounds ok with tubes, solid state is much preferred though as the spendors have already a warm sound to them.
I did try different tube amps with them & they end up too smooth for their own good.
Solid state amp like Luxman, Krell, Classe, Mccormack would work very well w/ the Spendors.
Others experience may differ.

Catboy: I am very happy with my current preamp/amp combo. I bought a gently used McIntosh C220 tube-hybrid preamp from Audio Classics for about $2750. I have an Odyssey Audio Stratos HT3 (with cap upgrade), but if you don't need that third channel, go with a Stratos Stereo Plus amp (includes the cap upgrade) for $1400. If that's too far over budget (and you can't find one used), go with the standard Stratos Stereo for $1200 or the Odyssey Audio Khartago Extreme/SE for $1200 (slightly less power - depends on your room, speaker efficiency and listening preferences - ask Klaus at Odyssey which would be best for you).

Note that both Audio Classics and Odyssey Audio have in-home trial periods, so if it doesn't work for you, you can return them.

I love this combo - it provides pretty much what you're looking for: warm, clean, quiet, with excellent detail, transients that are just right, and good dynamics. The sound stage is dependent on the source material, and can be huge. I also have tremendous image stability. Criticisms? I wish macro dynamics were a little more powerful, and I wish my speakers would dissappear a little better. The treble is clean and clear, but I wouldn't mind a little more of that shimmering quality I've heard on some very expensive rigs. But with this combo, I rarely run into a CD that I can't listen to and enjoy. It is never harsh, brittle or edgy. I rarely use the McIntosh's tone controls, but it's nice to have that capability. I also love the MM phono section and wide-range balance control. And the remote, of course. The Odyssey amps are just a huge bang for the buck - real high end amps at a mid-fi price, IMO.

The rest of my system is in my system link.

My suggestion would be to choose your speakers before going any further.

Wow, nice feedbacks. Many thanks for the efforts. Interesting comment from Nolitan about the tube/Spendor setup being too warm. I have always been interested in going to tube for the inherent "warmth" but the practicality aspect has always been an issue, especially with a family. Anyways, it should be fun trying to get the right sound and doing the research on all the suggestions so far. Best to all.

Good luck,
And remember to listen with YOUR ears.