What next for a Volti Lucera based system

Hi All,

I have about 150 hours on a new pair of Volti Lucera speakers 

This is a continuation of my transition to a lower power stereo system. My journey has been Magnepan 1.2, Magnepan 3.6, Thiel CS3.6, Theil CS5i, Tyler Acoustics MM5X, Zu Soul Six, Klipsch Forte iv; along with complementary powered amps for the various speakers 

 

My current Setup is as follows:

PS Audio PWT

Mojo Mystique EVO B4B DAC 

Don Sachs DS2 Preamp

Quicksilver Horn Monos, First Watt F6, First Watt F7, Don Sachs Kootenay 120

Volti Luceras 

 

I honestly liked the Klipsch Forte iv's and thought the First Watt F7 tamed most of the treble edge. The Volti Luceras are a big step up in refinement, bass, clarity, and soundstage. Having said that, the Luceras don't have quite the same "you are live presence" of the Fort iv's. I seem to prefer the First Watt F6 and Quicksilver Horn Monos best with the Luceras.

 

I am thinking that it might be time to upgrade my preamp. I am pursuing better soundstage meaning more depth and width outside of the speakers. I also am looking to maximize musicality and emotion. I am pretty sure that I value accuracy over warmth. My current setup provides sweetness if it is on the recording.

 

As I dig into reviews and blogs I am convincing myself to to stick with a tube preamp even though a Pass pre with separate power supply seems interesting. I am happy with single ended. No long cable runs.

 

I have heard Conrad Johnson preamps most notably a 17LS2, and a couple a of lower end Audio Research preamps over the years.

 

My most current research seems to be leading me to consider the following gear tied to a roughly $7,000 budget:

VAC (used Renaissance mk5)

ARC (used Ref 5, or a stretch to a Ref 6)

LTA (new Micro ZOTL level 3)

Modwright (used LS36.5)

BAT (used ?)

 

Please let me what you think and please share your share your reasoning as I am trying to learn about more expensive preamps.

thanks,

Dsper