I have a used ARC D200 amp that I've paired with a Sonic Frontiers Line 1 (tube) preamp. My speakers are an old pair of KEF 104/2's, and I use Kimber PBJ w/ XLRs between the amp/preamp and DH Labs T-14 to the speakers. My front end, which I hope to replace in the not-too-distant, is an old Sony consumer CD player. I enjoy the almost sneery response I get from audio boutique salesmen when I tell them that. When I bought the amp (used), I tried out a Proceed Amp2 and Classe Ten at the same time. I was surprised at how much I didn't like the Amp2- I thought it had an almost tizzy and overly bright sound. I ended up with the ARC b/c I thought it had the most neutral and punchy sound. I like the Line 1 b/c it also has a very neutral to slightly warm sound. It has lots of flexibility in terms of inputs/outputs (4 SE, 2 Bal inputs; 2 ea SE/Bal outputs; tape loop; external SSP bypass input). Eventually, I'd like to incorporate home theater into my setup, and I think the straight-through SSP input, which bypasses the preamp volume control will be handy for that. I also have really enjoyed the built-in Headroom headphone amp. I've had the Line 1 for a little over a year and have replaced 1 pr. of tubes under warranty. I also checked out the ARC LS-9 but decided on the Line 1 for the features as much as anything. Hope this helps. YMMV.