Importance of Amplifier versus Preamp?

I think that Zd542 got it right. If I had a given amount of money, I would invest most of the money into a good active preamp, you can then fudge a little on buying an amp.

Then there is the crowd that think that buying both components of the same manufacturer will take the risk out of matching. This is true to some degree but then it is possible the mfg could excel in making better sounding amps then preamps or vice a versa. There is no substitute for years of knowledge/experience in matching and knowing what components sound good together.

Melbguyl, congratulations on your Vitus integrated amp purchase. I looked it up and it is a beauty along with excellent reviews. At a price tag of a mear $28,000, it should qualify as one of the best, if price dictates performance. Is it designed with a volume control on a power amp or is the preamp section active?

It may appear that John's earlier integrated amp recommendation as a resolution to the OP's situation, does have its merits. In fact I have recently gone with an integrated amp to simplify my system and although it doesn't cost nearly as much as the Vitus integrated, I like the way it sounds! Mine is the dual mono Onix (made in England) rated at 120 watts per channel, plenty of power for my current needs. No I have not sold off the separates but they have been gently stored in the closet for now.