A lot of good suggestions above. One thing, where you said this...
Separate quality Power supply, Dual Mono setup, Quality components. Remotes (except EAR)
Are you saying you want reco’s with these attributes? Would we assume no Phono ever? For now I’ll ussume not.
As always, system synergy, and matching the owners musical priorities are key. Nothing I can say should get in the way your experimenting and finding your own way.
Not mentioned thus far:
Wyetech
Supratek
MFA Lumi
VTL
ASL Flora
Coincident CLS
Some of the above could have Phono included in them. A few, depending on where in a manufacturers lineup they are may be within the budget, where other might stretch it slightly.
if you’ve got some fun money to try something out, buy it used, live with it and see it make you heart sing. If not keep changing it up until you can pinpoint the one. I owned 4 of the above plus a Modwright and a Audio Research. All have there strengths and weaknesses. My journey found that my ear really seamed to prefer 6SN7 based Pre’s more than the others. I found what works for me. I hope you can find your utopia. While you might find inspiration here on the boards, nothing will better in home evaluations first hand. Good luck with the journey!
Separate quality Power supply, Dual Mono setup, Quality components. Remotes (except EAR)
Are you saying you want reco’s with these attributes? Would we assume no Phono ever? For now I’ll ussume not.
As always, system synergy, and matching the owners musical priorities are key. Nothing I can say should get in the way your experimenting and finding your own way.
Not mentioned thus far:
Wyetech
Supratek
MFA Lumi
VTL
ASL Flora
Coincident CLS
Some of the above could have Phono included in them. A few, depending on where in a manufacturers lineup they are may be within the budget, where other might stretch it slightly.
if you’ve got some fun money to try something out, buy it used, live with it and see it make you heart sing. If not keep changing it up until you can pinpoint the one. I owned 4 of the above plus a Modwright and a Audio Research. All have there strengths and weaknesses. My journey found that my ear really seamed to prefer 6SN7 based Pre’s more than the others. I found what works for me. I hope you can find your utopia. While you might find inspiration here on the boards, nothing will better in home evaluations first hand. Good luck with the journey!