@arcticdethwhich of the seemingly endless options of tube pre would accomplish what I'm after in your opinion?
@soix
I will look at the pre you recommend. I have noticed that the Backert Rhumba gets good reviews, but it is over my price point. Locally and way over my price point is a preowned AR ref 5 pre in the preferred (by my wife) black color.
@ghosthouse
i like your way of thinking! "Why yes darling, it is expensive but look how good it looks in the room." My wife prefers invisible audio gear, but is learning to like things. Helps when I play music she really likes. I will give a look at the Oppo mod you suggested. I had already looked at ModWright, but that's her my total preamp budget. I'd like the preamp that I buy to be a lifetime keeper if at all possible.
There's a lot of chatter about Prima Luna it seems. The features and design philosophy seem good. I wish it was balanced so I wouldn't have to spend extra $ for cables. Perhaps I can get a nice deal on some single ended cabling from Kevin...