fthompson251,
Your situation is good with the Wavelet II. You don't need another preamp. I am an analog guy and have a phonostage connected to the new preamp. That combo sounds great. That is why I don't want another gear in between the new preamp and the external amps driving the mid/high section. The Aeris XP might be a ticket for next speakers upgrade to me.
I also use the Focus XD internal amp for the bass section. I don't have a Wavelet, but the sound is great. I don't need to adjust the bass of the XD. My external amp (29 db) gain is 3 db higher than the internal ICE amp which is 26db. I don't feel the bass is lacking. In fact the bass is powerful and deep. I like the Focus XD a lot. It can play loud. Sometimes it gets up to 90 db (loudness) at peak as I listen to my system mostly at realistic level. The Focus XD is an outstanding speakers. Excellent dynamics, very detailed, big soundstage, lightning quick transient responses, transparent and strong/tight/deep bass. I have upgraded many things since I own the Focus XD and it can keep up with all the changes and show the sonic improvements. At $15k (when I bought it), it is a bargain compared to many ultra expensive speakers out there. I have a hard time finding another speakers at such price that can compete with the Focus XD. I might just hold off upgrading to the Aeris XP.
By the way, if you don't know, Legacy Audio has a new owner. Bill is still the Chief Designer/Engineer. The Focus XD will be $21k starting 1/1/2026.