The preamp come first, and it must be good, till the level you want for the all system (and more, if possible). Then the amp, with the power y speakers need. That's my point of view and what I made on my system.
I have been convinced for a long time that a great preamp is the heart of a system. At $800, as others have said, I would go for an integrated, but at higher price points, I don't see a hard and fast rule. The days my preamp ratio is 45:55. Some years back- when I had my first truly great preamp, the ratio was more like 60:40. That preamp was a CJ 17LS2.
I agree with looking for a good integrated with a $800 budget. If you want new, I'd look at the Yamaha A-S801. 6 moons gave it a very good review. You could probably find something better sonically in the used market, but the built-in DAC on the 801 appears impressive - so a great value.
If I was looking at separates for $800, I'd probably buy a used Haffler amp that's been moded by Musical Concepts. That will probably leave around $200 left for a pre-amp. Might be able to find a Musical Fidelity or Creek (or other) on ebay for that.
+1 for lou’s comment . A good Dyna Pas3 or one of its many clones is the best buy in all of audio. Truth be told , a rational person(leaves me out) will never need more.
Also true the new Yamaha integrateds , even the lowest , are great sounding and great buys .
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