Hi All, first time poster but long time Audio guy. After about a 15 year hiatus from being a responsible family guy ... I am making my come back to HiFi and putting together a system in what I would call the moderate price zone. I am seeking some guidance/suggestions and any general opinions given the current environment on acquiring an AMP / Preamp upgrade. In the past, I drove Vandersteen 2CIs with Aragon Palladium MKII Mono's and used an ARC LS12 (SS). Current sources: ClearAudio Performance DC with ClearAudio Tracer Tonearm & Charima MM; Parasound Halo JC3 Jr. Phono stage; Esoteric K-05Xs SACD/CD/DAC; Innuos ZENith MK3 Streamer/Server. Sonus Faber Sonetto V speakers.
Genre's are Classic Rock, Blues, some unplugged acoustic easy listening and a small dose of Jazz.
Currently using older/borrowed equipment: Classe Audio CP60 Pre & a Rotel RB981 200wpc amp, sound is well, ok. Hence my upgrade quest. I prefer a big Sound stage with precision and some warmth, have never been a Tube player, but will consider introducing them in a manageable way.
I am fine buying new or used and beyond suggestions, I also have a line on either an ARC LS17SE MKII (Tube) or a PS Audio BHK Signature (Hybrid) both used. Any thoughts or views on either of them would be appreciated. Sorry for the long and winding road here but Finally ... AMP selection- I am struggling in the current landscape of choices, so guidance on pairing with a Preamp & placing one into the system I have reassembled here would be most helpful. Many thanks, hifi63nc.