Did you consider a tube intergrated? Some people prefer the sound. New would be the Jolida. Best used for a little more than $1500 would be a Jadis Orchestra. If you want solid state, there is Musical Fidelity and Audio Refiniement(new), or the Krell and Classe(used).
PRE/AMP Combo or Integrated?
I would like some advice, I have about $1400 to spend on either a new pre and amp or should I get an integrated, I was thinking of the Krell 300i or a combo built around an Adcom 750 or ARC ls9 and a lesser amp (Acurus a200, etc) to hold me over until I can upgrade, in the long run this will cost more but will sound better but is it worth it, any opions appreciated