The preamp is the most important piece to get right. I would hold off and save up for something good, and definitely not vintage. If you don't have anything, get a passive for the time being.
Yamaha CX 2 preamp verse say a Rotel RC 995?
I am looking into a Yamaha CX 2 preamp and wondering if anyone has had any experience with it? I have had older Yamaha units but I understand this last go round in the early to mid 90s with the CX 2 was a different deal. The Rotel RC 995 is a point of comparison but I always felt they were smooth but a a little veiled sounding. The opposite of the power amps. Thanks