Diving into the world of tubes...help needed!

Look into the coincident technology amps — the Frankenstein MK 2 monoblocks are exceptional. If you are only running one source, look into a passive pre. they’re simpler, and simpler almost always sounds better. Cheaper than a decked out active pre.. Placette makes an excellent one.

Separates will sound better if you’ve picked the rest of your system carefully. Synergy is all. iwhat you hear from whatever you decide to buy will also depend on your cables and isolation and room acoustics and other components. There’s a reason they are called stereo SYSTEMs.

I'll double down on good luck with Chinese made stuff. They have zero quality control. 
The Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III is awesome! If you can afford $17k for a pre and $20k for a power amp, the Audio Research Ref 6SE and 160S are exquisite. If you are not in that market, stick with an integrated amp.

I second something from Rogue, I owned the RP5 pre and ST100 amp and with nos tubes they sound awesome. But what ever you buy and I was new to tubes also you have to go with nos tubes if you want that old sxhool tube sound imho

Love my prima luna prologue preamp with my carver crimson 275 and there is US support for prima luna. It is clearly a well made product. And Chinese made is a great way to save money. Fit and finish is perfect.

Thanks for your input everyone. I'll consider all of your suggestions as I continue my search :)