Each of us can only relate our own experience and rarely have I been bowled over and gobsmacked by a single well-executed amp or preamp but it DID happen (literally blown away) when I acquired an Audio Research GS-150 about a year ago. Years ago I had an ARC D115-II for quite a while -- another great amp -- but nothing like the GS-150. I haven't done alot of experimenting but I think from a value proposition a used Ref75 with the huge new powertubes ARC is using might be a good option. Of course everything else has to be up to the challenge with regard to what can be resolved. There are absolutely phenomenal values out there to be had as well such as the Magnepan LRS. Crossed over to a good sub it makes for a small investment speaker-wise which might allow for more $ invested in your electronics. And of course GOOD used equipment is often a great option no matter what.
