Get something with good room correction system built
in.....Integra comes to mind in your price range. I sold my
long time two
channel tube preamp (Audioprism Mantissa) after buying a new
receiver with room correction (I'm only using it as a
prepro).
It did take some effort, getting the hang of running the
correction system (a lot of reading, and I probably ran it
10 times or so before I was truly happy).
This is the best my system has ever played music, regardless
of components.
Note: I've tried a couple of expensive prepros in the past
(although none of them had a good room correction system
built in)........and none could beat a good two channel
preamp.
Technology is good..........and times have changed IMO.
Dave