First off, thanks for all the input, I really got the stuff I was looking for.
I would probably trade a little detail for more warmth.
Dared does have a pre with phono but, no remote control.
I am always sensative to price and will be looking for something on Audiogon. These are two units that seemed to fall into my price range in the used market.
The 9s are staying! Fortunately, I have been very effective in positioning for spacial affect and detail in a living room setting, and the tubes definitly took it to a new level. Even my wife, whom in her own words doesn't consider herself sophisticated with regard to audio, commented that the sound doesn't appear to becomming from the speakers. That made my week...
However, I have the same question as another. If the LS-16 MK2 doesn't have phono what is the phono input on the back? Is it for the external phono stage?