Tube preamp

now they call these integrated amps

https://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MA230-Tube-30Wx2-Amplifier-Preamp-Mint/324400785086?hash=item4b87c...

their version of Fisher 500C, except Fisher has tuner. I have 2 of these, and had an 800c, same but also has AM band. great sound and features

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fisher-500C-receiver/284106406681?hash=item42260fbb19:g:WckAAOSwHHBflf8-

I like McIntosh Mode Switch to help refine system balance

I would try some KT88's instead of 6550's in that amp first. Then move on to tube preamp. 

I changed my Cayin A88T from 6550 to kt88, prefer the kt88's.

a vintage tube preamp appealed to me more than something new

McIntosh mx110z tube tuner/preamp. 

the tuner is very highly respected. it has 2 MM phono inputs. need Step Up Transformer for low output MC

nice one here, with wood case

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9hcbb-mcintosh-mx-110-tube?refsource=hifishark

on eBay 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MX110-MX110Z-Tube-Tuner-Pre-amplifier/154189802251?hash=item23e66d...

this helped convince me

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm

they seem to be going steadily up in price this past year.