+1 on the Schitt Freya recommendation. I owned one and am of the opinion they are hard to beat into the low thousands. Very reliable. Dead quiet. Good resale. Lots of input and output options. Quality parts inside.
Tubes or Solid State?
I'm looking to replace my solid state Musical Fidelity M2si integrated amplifier that I've been using as a preamp with a dedicated preamp. I have been considering tube line stages from Maple Tree, and, Van Alstine and the LSA Hyperdrive Preamp/Headphone amp. I am also looking at the SPL Elector MK2 which is solid state and a bit more money.
The tubes are supposed to be warmer and the SPL is supposed to be absolutely dead quiet.
Thanks