New Preamp or go Integrated

I always look for separates. They allow you to upgrade in smaller increments and make larger investments in a specific function. All things being equal, separate generally sound a bit better as more space allows greater isolation. I would look at the idea of getting an integrated as investing $2,500 per component instead of $5,000… hence that is a big downgrade. So you’re gonna get a much better preamp for $5000. Of course you must choose carefully. $5K is a significantly better sounding price range to be in for preamps… especially if you buy used. You can probably buy a $10 K amp for $5K. That puts you in a different league. Something you might keep for the rest of your life.

The preamps that you have identified are vastly difference in sound characteristics. I’d recommend comparing them using an AI… ask to compare sonic characteristics. Then go listen to a couple… like the Conrad Johnson vs the Mark Levinson for instance, that would be a great comparison. 
 

My taste is for detailed and  musical preamps. I’d recommend looking at a used Audio Research SP28… or 27… go back as far as needed to hit your price range.

personal I find Mark Levinson to be accurate, and uninspiring, McIntosh, overly warm and lacking in detail, it’s been awhile since I’ve heard the Rogue but I’m not a fan of them. for me enjoying musical sounding preamps Conrad Johnson and Audio Research are the choices.

get a preamp with DSP capability. This should do - Onkyo Icon P-80 (Silver) or Onkyo Icon P-80 (Black)

@ghdprentice +1

I would also add the Atma-Sphere line of preamps to the above list.

Hi Vette -

If I were going tubes, I would most likely stay with the Prima Luna line.  

https://upscaleaudio.com/products/primaluna-evo-300-tube-integrated-amp

I have had the PL Prologue 5 power amp for the last 20 years.  Literally, no issues, which is the major consideration for me.  Not so strange talk from the son of a stereo/ appliance store owner and repairman.  

I have had the PL paired to a Musical Fidelity CD 24, preamp CD player - also for the last 20 plus years.  I purchased a lot of stuff when I was hospitalized for 6 months back in 2005.

20 years ago, this was a $4K set-up, which would be $6.6K in today's dollars.  

A Decware phono preamp rounds out the system.  

Enough memory lane stuff, but suffice it to say, I am very satisfied with the Prima Luna line and sound.  

If I were going solid state, the TOTL Denon looks very desirable to me.  

https://www.denon.com/en-us/product/amplifiers/pma-3000ne/300995.html?dwvar_300995_color=Silver

I would go integrateds, as opposed to separates, primarily for space and simplicity reasons.  

Given my age, I would also want something that whoever is still around would have to deal with.  

Your current speakers look extremely nice.  

Rich 

@ghdprentice thanks for the Audio Research recommendation and thoughts on the other preamps mentioned. I’ll take a look at the Audio Research options.