Back to tubes?

Bifwynne, you're probably right but I really appreciate being reintroduced to the tube equipment out there right now.
I'll have to see what's available for audition in my area as well.
I do have an easy lead on a Ref 5 or VTL 7.5 so I am particularly interested in opinions of those pieces.

How about no preamp? I know not always feasible (and much more diffiult with analogue gear) but if you are beginning "the search", why limit yourself?

I run my digital gear direct to amps but have a linestage for my phone/tape/tuner (I switch cables at the amps) which I was also considering upgrading and my top 2 contenders (for my budget) were the Ref 3 (used) and Shindo. The Shindo would have been my decision. Shindo gear (preamp and amps - they love synergy) into high sensitivity speakers is an incredible match.

For me - I will never ever put a preamp between my digital sources and amps again, ever.

your boulder pre is a classic....

Cerrot, I am considering that option also. There is certainly no preamp like no preamp.

Jaybo, I love the 1012 but no longer need the inboard phonostage or DAC. I might just succumb and get a 2010 but peerless though it may be, it certainly exemplifies the law of diminishing returns.

Sounds like Shindo should be on the short list for auditions,

Have anybody compared Manley Stealhead/Shindo Aurieges-L combo vs. Masseto, Monbrison and up the line Shindo preamps?