building the best system I can?

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.

funny thing.. unsound posted at the same time as I did.

Lowrider57, actually I would suggest starting with the speakers and then finding an appropriate amp, etc., etc.. Which the OP seems to be doing.
I just found Shubert's post somewhat curious.

I want to thank everyone for their insight and suggestions. Now I want to side step the amp/pre talk for a moment and address the music source. I am interested in going with a digital source such as a server/dac combo. Any thaughts? I see that the squeezebox touch is a popular choice but I am under the impression that logitech has dropped the touch. Knowing this makes me a bit nervous about purchasing this product. I am also looking at sonos as a server. Also does anyone have thaughts on the Olive products? Just because I am side stepping the amp/pre talk doesn't mean I don't want more input because I find this discussion very interesting.