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

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.

We sold McIntosh at the store years ago. I actually went to the factory In NY. Showed us around for 2 days. What I remember the most is they took us all out to dinner and ordered for us. Out comes a piece of Prime Rib so big I though they were going to carve it. But noooo!!!!! I find out later it was called the McIntosh cut at the restaurant. I wounder if they still do that?  

I can't say I am converted but the older I get some things are just easier. I was so thankful the preamps had a remote. Learning about digital DAC and Streamers is very confusing, but I will figure it out. "I hope"

If you are looking at tube amplifiers I would consider the Bob Carver Corporation Crimson/Raven Mono Bloc 350. They have a 10 year guarantee on tubes. ARC has a 90 day guarantee. All the amplifiers are handmade with point to point wiring. The are approximately 1/3rd the cost of a "comparable" ARC. (Ref 250 SE that is a stereo amp also.) Note: The predecessor 305 had a wonderful review in TAS with REG I recall. I have auditioned this 350 amp with both the latest Carver ALS System as well as my SoundLabs U-1PX/Consummates. Very transparent. Because of his special design(s) the tubes don't even run hot! Also, you do not need to rewire a modern house like you do with the ARCs to run the 350s. The Carver is a final purchase unlike ARC. Why?  The ARC marketing plan is calculated to bring the audiophile, not the music lover in trolling for the next iteration much more frequently than their competitors - always new models, always trade-ins, always new reviews, - suckers. This true will all the brands under the holding company that owns McIntosh and ARC. I judge that by their actions, not their statements.

For a line preamp, right now I am auditioning a line of $2995-$8500 tube preamps that have some very innovative patents and design. They too are hand made in the USA and comprise mostly point to point wiring. Again we are speaking about the best value and best sound for the $

I might say I am not a "tube guy" or a "solid state guy," or a digital guy or an analog guy. Some people like various forms of music and music sources. If you want a swiss army knife of digital, get an OPPO 105D or 105 pre-owned. You can see my present reference system on audioasylum. Haven't had a chance to update it here.

I will be back after I audition the preamps with a further report.