I am very biased first of all so take all of this with a grain of salt. I am also the maker of the VERITAS Monoblocks.
1. Keep the pre.
2. For you 87db 801, switch out to VERITAS monoblocks - based on other users with 802, MBL's etc. I have compared the VTM 200 to the VERITAS in many systems, is the VERITAS make a large difference. It has not been compared with the VTM 100, on 801 do this is an assumption that it would be better since it was done with VTM200 monoblocks and 802's.
3. Move to Computer Audio with a good DAC - Phasure is excellent however a good DAC with 24/192 will let you hear the emotion in the music. The CD player is good, however once you hear excellent recordings without the missing bits/jitter and other CD associated issues, you will understand.
Good luck!
1. Keep the pre.
2. For you 87db 801, switch out to VERITAS monoblocks - based on other users with 802, MBL's etc. I have compared the VTM 200 to the VERITAS in many systems, is the VERITAS make a large difference. It has not been compared with the VTM 100, on 801 do this is an assumption that it would be better since it was done with VTM200 monoblocks and 802's.
3. Move to Computer Audio with a good DAC - Phasure is excellent however a good DAC with 24/192 will let you hear the emotion in the music. The CD player is good, however once you hear excellent recordings without the missing bits/jitter and other CD associated issues, you will understand.
Good luck!