beginner seperate system

One last thought. I myself have been looking at a tube preamp for my second system in my den ... and while a custom tube preamp from Don Sachs has been in my eyesights, I’m a little concerned about the longevity of a boutique company.  How long will he be around to service it if something goes wrong? Not to hijack the thread, but does anyone else have this concern?

Generally I agree with Kosst that solid state gear is likely to pair better with Focal’s based on the impedance load/curve of most their speakers. Couldn’t find a published curve for the Aria 948, but with a minimum of 2.5 ohms the tubes are likely to be working hard. I think the Rogue will be enough to drive them well.  I  drive my Focal Electra 1007 Be speakers with a 100 watt Audio Research SS amp with great bass extension without need for a subwoofer in a small - medium room. 

+1 for the Rogue Cronus Magnum integrated ... I think it would be an excellent match with the Arias. Plenty of tube power to drive them for a very reasonable price from a great American company. 

If you want to experiment with tubes using your current system — as suggested by many above— you will get a good taste with a tube preamp. Depending on how much you want to spend, three good choices to purchase NEW would be the Schiit Freya ($700), Brown Audio SP-1B ($1150, which includes an excellent moving magnet phonostage), and the Atma-sphere UV-1 ($1900). All American made, and well reviewed. Based on your investiture in the Aria 948, I would probably lean towards the Atma-sphere UV-1, and give thought later perhaps to a different solid state amp. If you are willing to consider used gear, would recommend looking at Audio Research offerings on Audiogon.