To amp or preamp?

Thanks @millercarbon. Never even heard of Raven amps before. That’s what I like about Audiogon. I always learn something about an approach or type of equipment I knew nothing about. Wasn’t considering integrated or a tube amp but sounds like if you had to choose between amp and preamp as making the biggest difference of the main components, it would be the amp? I have arriving any day now a Audible Illusions L3A. I’ll add that to the mix to hear if there’s any big difference between that and the C48. 

@millercarbon thanks for taking the time to offer your feedback. Informed and interesting takes. Millercarbon you’ve got me thinking about an integrated. A McIntosh integrated was my first audiophile amp. I went on to try separates cause at the time of my learning curve I thought separates were always better than integrated. However, you make some good points on investment value regarding saving money on interconnects, power cords, etc. As a guitar player, tube amps are the way to go for most good players. For audio gear, I’ve leaned toward SS cause my listening sessions usually aren’t that long and don’t want to wait for the tubes to get all fired up before the amp sound it’s best. Also, what about the cost of tubes and rolling them, etc? That’s an ongoing expense to factor. I did look at the video link you shared. The Raven owner seemed committed to quality. I had never heard of Raven before. How long have they been in business? Their website is frustrating. I can’t get any product detail on their items. Also, the owner in the video says the company is in Texas but the website says they’re based in Louisiana? Also, their amps are listed at mostly 20 watts. Seems kind of low and concerned about enough power. What does they equal to SS? Anyhow, I’m open to retooling everything right now from my amp to speakers. Any other recommendations on integrated’s are welcome as with preamps. 

@elliottbnewcombjr thanks for your feedback. Seems like we have two approaches so far, one for integrated and you toward separates, especially with tube mono blocks. I would consider that option but does sound like more expense involved with all the accessories but it’s something I’m curious about along with other power amps. 
My new to me Audible Illusions L3A preamp is waiting for me at FedEx. I’m eager to give it a listen and A/B it with my C48. 
I hear what you’re saying about the tweeter dispersion on the GE’s. To my ears that’s seems to be the case. But as noted in another thread, I don’t have my GE’s set up correctly and need to make some adjustments with placement, listening distance and speaker run to give them a fair opportunity to do their thing.