Should I consider the newer Audio Research pre & power amps, when I play records not CD's

one thing I forgot to mention regarding phono stages (and system synergy) is that almost all of the preamps I have heard require either an external or have an internal SUT to get the most out of a low output moving coil cartridge.  So, (in my biased listening preferences opinion) if you are going to get a cartridge that has an output < or = .5mv you are going to need an internal or external SUT.  The newer CAT's have them built in, not sure about the newer ARC's, but none of the 80's preamps have them.  The phono sections of all those will work, but for me they are too noisy and lack the preferred weight.  I currently use an EAR MC-4 with a Benz or accuphase LOMC (which I now prefer) or a koetsu SUT with a rosewood signature if I am listening mainly to vocals.

"only playing records" !!! Sumbuddy git a rope!

I owned the SP8 and 10 - loved them both, with Atma-Sphere tube amps and Bryston SS. Then the DIY bug bit, and I found myself too old to roll tubes.

If you must have tubes, consider Atma-Sphere. Their amps have no output transformers, so sound extraordinarily clean.

And since you are "only playing records" (gasp!), you must (repeat must) get something to clean them. Otherwise you will (1) wear away your stylus prematurely, costing serious money in your league and (2) never hear your records to anything near their potential. I use ultrasound - and it is not over the top for anyone with a $10,000 analogue front end.

Good luck!

You might look up various amps and gear on stereophile.com.  I've found their reviews to be really good.  They usually include some serious testing reports as well.  I always thought ARC was great gear, but I went for McIntosh instead.  For a digital music server, I recently bought a Bluesound Vault II.  It will digest your CDs into its hard drive and you can control it via an app on your tablet or smartphone.  It connects to your stereo amp, or preamp, over RCA, or digital coax, or fiber optic.  I have mine connected to my McIntosh C47 preamp via digital coax.  Amp is MC402 hooked to Wilson Sophias.  It's a great setup.

I am trying to get rid of, at least part of the rope. When I started my quest to play records again, I was not aware of the advances that had been made in digital music. I can remember the first time I compared a CD (2 by oversampling) to a record, it was like listening to AM radio. My experience now is only with an ipad using Bluetooth thru the system in my shop. I did dive into learning more about digital music and with the help of Lostbears started to understand the ins and outs of playing digital music. A streamer is on the have to have list, after reading everything regarding them. I still very much want to play records and well aware of keeping them in good condition. I have over 500 LP's and all are in rice paper sleeves, cleaned before and after use, and I take the static out before and after. Compared to Digital it is a pain. That being said, It is going to hard to beat listening to Pink Floyd, Dark Side, on MFSL UHQR, a glass of wine or Grand Mariner, except I have to get up and turn it over. Then after it is played, clean it and put it away and get out the album I want to hear next. I can see how it would be easy to get spoiled sitting in your listening chair with an Ipad to select what you want to hear. Not to mention a favorites list.

I try to take the time to research each of the systems you'll have, mainly to educate myself. With most of the new stuff (mainly Digital) I have much to learn. 

Thank you for all the options. Any experience with Aurendar or Lumin streamers?

I see that I was preaching to the converted, Juke. Sorry about that.