Amp and Preamp recommendations for Yamaha NS5000

I really enjoy the Ref 5 SE + X350.8 with the ns5000. They move me to tears everytime I listen to them. But lately I am enjoying a warmer more organic type of sound (that I heard with the bottlehead crack OTL amp with black silk hd650). So trying to move more in that direction. I have the bottlehead moreplay preamp coming in but still looking around for a warm tube pre + power amp or integrated to try on the ns5k.

I tried the PL Evo 300 integrated in ultra linear. It was ok... on headphones it was incredible though so it makes me wonder if its just not enough power to drive the ns5000. Maybe stepping up to the EVO 400 integrated or monos would open up the stage on ns5000 more ?

The magic I heard on headphones with the prima luna wasnt present when the evo 300 was connected to the ns5000 despite volume not being an issue.

You should try the KRELL Duo XD lineup on the NS5000, even the k-300i integrated (also XD) would work. It is buttery smooth and slightly warm. I was going to move my CODA #16 to the Livingroom to setup with the NS5000. However, I have no time and it would be very disruptive. So, I am keeping the CODA #16 in my office with the Magnepan LRS+ and KC62 sub. It is an amazing setup. I might as well keep this together and look for other amps for the NS5000.

Now that I have heard the NS5000 in my home, I am thinking the KRELL XD lineup would be very nice with the NS5000. My only issue is the size of the amps. I am limited in my space where the NS5000 resides, one reason I have not taken the CODA #16 downstairs to the NS5000.

The bass on the NS5000 is beautiful. The KRELL and CODA would be great with that bass. I owned the KRELL 175XD before, so I know from experience. The CODA #8 would also be pretty good sonically and smaller in size than the KRELL and #16. Though having 2 amps from the same company is not that interesting.

I am also looking at some newer Class D GAN or Purifi amps in mono format. I will be using the modded Peachtree GAN1 until Jan 1, 2024. I will then be able to afford a new amp for the NS5000. My preamp will be the Benchmark LA4 for the NS5000 and the Holo Serene for the CODA #16 and LRS+. The idea is a completely silent preamp and flavoured with the amp.

BTW - the KRELL XD is 180 degrees away from the Benchmark AHB2 sound, which I rave about. I think I am not going with the AHB2. I want to make sure that big bass driver can sing with power.

I wonder how the Krell sounds vs the Pass tho. Since the Pass is already a relatively warm and musical (for SS) amp.