Agree with others on ARC SP9 MKII. Despite Sedond comments, everyone else (me included) loves the SP9. One is listed right here mint for $900. However, would note that unless you have vinyl, the great phono stage would sit unused (and adds to cost).
preamp/system help
i am recently back into hifi again. my new system (bought used from audiongon and am very happy with transactions) consists of just 2 hafler 9180s biamping NHT 2.5is being run straight off of my cal 15. having only 1k left to spend what would be my best uprade. preamp? tube? ss? there are so many in this price range. AR; sonic frontiers; morrison; vanderstine; cj; wow......help. if something else would help my system more than a preamp please let me know. i do still have my NAD 3020 that could function as a preamp. thanks!