My recommendation is to look at Copland preamps. I had a CSA 303 that was great at giving the holographic imaging that I look for. I upgraded to a Hovland HP 100 and while the top end extension of that unit was great, it didn't have that body and feeling of performers in the room that the Copland had. I went back to a Copland, this time a CTA 305. As a bonus the preamps have a good phono stage built in that is also tube. These units can be had for about $1000 on the used market. Copland is a Danish company that doesn't get a lot of press on this side of the pond. They have great sound and great looks to boot.
I had an Ayre V3 a few years ago teamed up with an Audible Illusions L1 tube linestage. The V3 has a great holographic effect itself. The L1 was just a bit too dark in that combination of gear that I had. You might want to try that combination. You can pick up the A.I. gear for about $750 used for the L1 or $1000 to $1500 for Modulus 3 pre w/phono.
I think the Copland with it's great holographic qualities combined with the V3 would be killer, but, that is a guess on what I heard of the two seperately.
Good luck.
I had an Ayre V3 a few years ago teamed up with an Audible Illusions L1 tube linestage. The V3 has a great holographic effect itself. The L1 was just a bit too dark in that combination of gear that I had. You might want to try that combination. You can pick up the A.I. gear for about $750 used for the L1 or $1000 to $1500 for Modulus 3 pre w/phono.
I think the Copland with it's great holographic qualities combined with the V3 would be killer, but, that is a guess on what I heard of the two seperately.
Good luck.