the cart or the horse?

I'm in a different camp than most of the folks that posted here (and I'll likely get blasted for it). I would encourage wavendon to explore some reconditioned vintage tube or solid state integrated amps or receivers. If you can find something with variable loudness controls, that can make a very big difference listening at low volumes. I believe the lower powered solid state gear from the late 60's and early 70's has a very nice tone and sound quality, and the tube gear from the 60's sounds absolutely wonderful. Both of these should be a decent match for your speakers. My current favorites (in no particular order) from extended listening periods with moderately efficient speakers are:

Sansui 777a

Marantz 2215

Marantz 1060

Luxman R1070

Harmon Kardon 330c (the 330b might be even better)

McIntosh MA6200

Fisher X-202-B

Scott 222B

Most of these can be purchased in recapped/serviced condition ready to play for many more years for less than $1000, and some way less than $1000. Good luck on your journey. Feel free to PM me if you want more details on any of the pieces I mentioned. I've spent many many hours with all these and know them well.   

Keep your speakers. 
 

sell your other gear (keep the Node) and start here with this small tube amp that sounds fantastic for the $$$$.

I have no affiliation with TMR.

This is what AGon should be all about. Great thread. Enjoyed reading this…

Replace amp and pre with an integrated. Need not be big. Something like Unity Atom, NAD M10, Rogue Sphinx (for a touch of tube magic) or BEl Canto C5i. For all tubes any Rogue integrated.  For something very small but good sounding, a Glow Amp 1 if you can find one.   

@onebean  - the old stuff is always fun.  I am actually running a factory refurbished ‘93 Mc pre on my main rig, in part because its so simple I figure they couldn’t have messed it up. Still have my father’s 40 year old Luxman gear and it works just fine (would of course benefit from a refurbishing)

Are there specific vintage dealers you could recommend for @wavendon , and all of us? Would be good to know dealers who do a good job with vintage

I have worked with Audio Classics and had good experiences, but that’s mostly Mc focused

There is SkyFi, but I’ve never worked with them - just note that they do vintage and refurbishing/restoration