building the best system I can?

Can't speak for anyone else, but I suggested Integrated since I thought your $5K was including a digital source. If I understand correctly, you are looking for an amp and preamp.
A McCormack amp would be an excellent choice. Then I would pair it with a tube preamp that has a low output impedance such as a Rogue. You would have power and bass slam with warm, lush sonics.

"Speakers sound like the amp running them,..."?

UnSound

Sorry but I'm not sure I understand You're question. Aré u suggesting I use different speakers?

Lowrider57

As far as seperates or intergrateds go I am open to all options. I was Just throwing out something suggested to me. I am intreged with the idea of using a tube pre amp with a ss amp or a tube intergrated. Aré these sinarios a good choice with the paradigms? As You can see you aré not alone in suggesting the intergrateded route.

Wmbode, please forgive me, I was responding to the opening of Shubert's post.
I'm not that familiar with the Paradigm 20's v5's, so I'll refrain from making specific recommendations other than if they are like other Paradigm's I've heard, I'd personally consider other speakers first. YMMV.

I think UnSound is saying that the first move is to match the speakers with an amp that will provide great synergy. I would agree that in a system you start with amp and speakers, after that add the preamp.
I have never heard paradigm studio 20's, so I was only stating a possible scenerio, mixing tubes with SS.