Sounds like you have made up you're mind already. Get the McCormack stack, and work tubes into the system as needed.
Some system advice
Thanks again to everyone for the responses to my tube frustrations. I thought I'd take up the offer to share my system and get some advice. I should mention that I first got interested in tubes when I was listening exclusively to digital. Since shifting almost completely to vinyl, I am much more comfortable with the idea of solid state gear for amplification. In any event, here's where I am, keeping in mind that I'm happy with the speakers and source:
Speakers: I have Tekton M-Lore speakers that I originally bought with the idea of adding a single ended tube amp. They are rated at 95db sensitivity, so they are compatible with a wide range of amplification.
Source: Marantz TT 15s1 with a Denon DL-110 cartridge.
Phono Amp: Jolida upgraded JD MK 2 with mallard tubes.
Amp: I have a McCormack DNA-125 that I really like, although I haven't found the right preamp yet. The DNA-125 is open and dynamic, easy to listen to.
Preamp: Right now, this is clearly the weak point as I'm using the pre-out on my Simaudio i-1 integrated. The sound is a bit thin and has some treble grain.
So, to get this system dialed in, I think a good preamp is what is most needed, although I'm open to other suggestions (like a tube integrated amp). Since I'm happy with the McCormack sound, I'm considering their LD-2 preamp which seems to keep with the relaxed, open McCormack sound (according to the comments/review I can find). Obviously, synergy wouldn't be an issue, and paired with the tubed phono stage and vinyl, it may be what I want.
Other than that, I've considered (around the 2k price point) the Rogue Perseus, the Croft Micro 25, and the Conrad Johnson Classic 2.
At this point, I really want to buy new to have a warranty (see my previous topic on tube woes to understand why :)).
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!! Scott
Speakers: I have Tekton M-Lore speakers that I originally bought with the idea of adding a single ended tube amp. They are rated at 95db sensitivity, so they are compatible with a wide range of amplification.
Source: Marantz TT 15s1 with a Denon DL-110 cartridge.
Phono Amp: Jolida upgraded JD MK 2 with mallard tubes.
Amp: I have a McCormack DNA-125 that I really like, although I haven't found the right preamp yet. The DNA-125 is open and dynamic, easy to listen to.
Preamp: Right now, this is clearly the weak point as I'm using the pre-out on my Simaudio i-1 integrated. The sound is a bit thin and has some treble grain.
So, to get this system dialed in, I think a good preamp is what is most needed, although I'm open to other suggestions (like a tube integrated amp). Since I'm happy with the McCormack sound, I'm considering their LD-2 preamp which seems to keep with the relaxed, open McCormack sound (according to the comments/review I can find). Obviously, synergy wouldn't be an issue, and paired with the tubed phono stage and vinyl, it may be what I want.
Other than that, I've considered (around the 2k price point) the Rogue Perseus, the Croft Micro 25, and the Conrad Johnson Classic 2.
At this point, I really want to buy new to have a warranty (see my previous topic on tube woes to understand why :)).
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!! Scott