One need not even get into a seperate preamp and power amp to get "good music" out of their system. There are many "audiophiles" that are happy with using a receiver or integrated amp. Like any other hobby, you have people of various levels of interest and dedication i.e. "casuals" and "fanatics". Finding a system that makes you happy can become a lifelong venture or a trip down to the local audio shop. Either way, start off by trusting your ears and remember that whatever you buy, you have to live with long term. If you don't want to live with it long term, you better make sure that the store has some type of demonstration or return policy or you'll end up feeding us "sharks" out here in "audiogonland".. : ) Sean
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