From everything I've read your speakers love tubes and are easy to drive. I would certainly say go with tubed seperates, there are many great deals on here for amps and preamps. Based on recent ads with your budget I'd pick up a used Herron VTSP-1A for $1700, I own the same pre and absolutely love it, and an Art Audio Diavola for $2800, a beautiful looking and sounding amp and ballsy for the wattage, 18 I think. Those two pieces woould net out to $4500 leaving money left over for cables and more music. Most of all though, whatever you decide have fun!
Help with $6k - $7k amplifier setup
Im in the market for a new aplifier setup. Im considering the Musical Fidelity Kw500 integrated amp which is relatively expensive for an integrated amp...or the BAT vk-3ix preamp with BAT vk-55 power amp. Would it be wiser to spend this amount of money for separate preamplifier and power amplifier? Pls advice on other options or combinations. I have the musical fidelity a5 cd player and have ordered the verity audio fidelio encore speakers.