beginner seperate system

Hi Austin_Jeff,

There are a lot of great suggestions here. IMHO If looking for the best sound for the budget you have - with the equipment you have... 

I would take Wolf_Garcia's suggestion and hook up the Schitt Freya to your existing NAD 275bee . Freya is by far the best bang for you buck as it has several options and respectable specs.  As you get comfortable with the set up you can roll NOS tubes and get a real sense of the tube feel.  

The least expensive and best way to maximize your investment in the Focal Aria 948s  is to take Larry5729's suggestion on upgrading your subs to the REL S3. 

REL is known for their  quick, seamless ,musical sub bass system with the Neutrik SpeakOn connectors. However Its only worth the investment with the connectors. I believe Analysis Plus makes The REL Cables on request. - if you decide to go this route request bananas connectors for the binding posts on the amp end. It will be easier to hook up.  

Schitt Audio - $699
http://www.schiit.com/products/freya

REL - $2,400
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis99dcj-rel-acoustics-s-3-pair-available-subwoofers

REL Cables - $ 240/$500 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis990j9-signal-cable-inc-double-run-spk-rel-speakon-cable-subwoof...

https://www.analysis-plus.com/pro-audio/#custom_built_cables

With about $1,500 to spare I would invest in a couple to decent power chords to maximize the performance of the NAD 275bee and Schitt Freya

I think you will be extremely pleased with the results.

What ever you decide, enjoy!

May I suggest considering the Rogue Sphinx or Pharaoh. Both integrated with tube pre , phono stage , headphone jack and remote control . Needs 1 quality power cord and some Telefunkens to replace the stock tubes . Plenty of quiet , clean solid state power to handle the low impedance swings and voltage requirements . A quality integrated will also save you money on multiple power cords and Interconnects. Also look at Khartgo products . Both of these brands are American made with great support and resale value . Happy Listening , Mike. 

Sorry you asked about separates . I own a Schiit Yiggy, Bifrost and Loki . I’m currently considering a Freya to use instead of my Rogue Pre. I am extremely pleased with their products as they offer great value . I’ve updated my Rogue with NOS Telefunkens and run a Mowwrow MPA4 power cord and MA5 Interconnects and Herbies footers, however it has too much gain and doesn’t pair well with high power amps . Don Sachs builds a fabulous pre . You might also consider Odyssey Audio too.  They offer a tube pre and a matching SS amp(s)  in stereo or mono bloc’s at reasonable prices . I was trying something similar to you , but with vintage  JBL studio monitors. I was never happy with the JBL’s and changed direction to Zu and low power. However I intend on revisiting this and I hope that you post your results, Mike. 

Decware Rachael integrates if you fond of SET tube amps.