Amp and Pre-Amp suggestions needed


I just picked up what will hopefully be my end-game speakers. They are TLS-1's based on the old Ohm F design, produced by Dale Harder of HHR Exotic speakers. I will probably share more in a separate speaker thread later.

It's become readily apparent that my Rogue Cronus Magnum III integrated is not cutting it with these speakers. 

I am looking for suggestions on a tube-pre and solid state amp separates that will drive the TLS-1's to nirvana. 

Here are my must haves:

- I want tone controls (treble/ bass)
- Again tube pre
- SS amp
- At least 150 wpc
- Want to keep my spend under $5k (new or used)

Yes, I already have Dale's recommendation, but I'm looking for other points of view here.

Thanks,
Joe
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Showing 1 response by terlenka

Looks like you can get all that except tone controls with Van Alstine -- their tube preamp runs $2100 and you can get their SS SET 400 (225wpc @8ohms) or their hybrid power amp Fet Valve 400R (200wpc @8ohms) for $2900 (that would put you right at your limit). I only have their phono preamp, but the aforementioned pre is highly rated (at least by one reviewer) and is at the top of my own upgrade list.