Preamp suggestions

To reinforce what Keithr mentioned, I own 804S and used to drive them with all SS gear and got a McIntosh MC275 (tubes) and loved it, and later got a Lamm LL2 deluxe preamp, and loved it even more. The ergonomics of the Lamm aren't for everyone, though. I don't mind not having a remote and prefer to spend all the budget on the sound vs bells and whistles, but that's just me.

You should audition the 804S and tubes.

My two cents!

If you want to wait and maybe save up some more money, the Herron VTSP 3a would be a great choice. I suggest giving Keith a call if there is any interest on your part. No affiliation or anything, just a huge fan boy of his pre.

There are certainly a lot of great preamps in the $2-$5K range as I've discovered. I've identified about 10 that I am interested, both solids and tubes. Of the systems that I've heard that I like best within my price range, I prefer the combo of SS amp and tube pres (so far). To my ear a solid amp has more speed and energy than a similarly priced tube setup. I have a large room and I do like to listen at high levels from time to time.

The biggest issue is trying to find a dealer who sells boutique gear and audition it. Much of it has very limited regional availability. Getting it into my system to hear it is challenging. I appreciate all the suggestions of swapping out my amp and pre for tubes, but I'm not in a position, nor am I inclined to change two components at once. My main goals are to gain increased transparency and open up the soundstage with better imaging. I value detail pretty highly.

Right now I'm quite curious about the Mystere CA21, the Manley Jumbo Shrimp on the tube side and the Jeff Rowland Design Capri and the Wyred STP-SE on the solid side.

Well I ended up with an EAR 868 which I absolutely love so far. The imaging is stellar, but what's most amazing about it is that it makes the music sound 'live' and it's highly emotional and involving.

Get the entry level Shindo from a dealer. As you have additonal $, you can continue trading up the Shindo line as the dealer trade in credit is extremely generous. Very expensive but IMO worth every penny.