Look for a used BVaudio P1, an excellent choice. Also you made no mention of power conditioning- very important!
What Pre amp to use
I need some help. Please. I just got new Alto Utopia Be's and I need a pre amp. I have a BAT VK-500 and I want to stick with it. I have been using a Denon 5800 as a pre for 2 channel (and H.T.) but that won't hack it anymore. I need to keep the price at or below 5k. My initial thoughts are Pass Labs X1, BAT VK31, Cary SLP 98, Rogue Audio 99, among others. As you can see, I am pretty all over the place, I do not even have it narrowed down to SS or tubes. I do not have the ability to listen to all of these, so I am open to advice. Thank you for any input.