New Preamp or go Integrated

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.

I would go with an integrated. Nothing against separates but I went back to an integrated and have been happy. 

I have never heard anything as musical as the Quad Vena but that may not have enough juice for the hungry Contours.

Hegel (pairs well with the Dyna), Musical Fidelity, Parasound, AVA, Qualiton would be on my list.

Buy the H390 and be done, would not look at any Onkyo crap... 

As @ghdprentice mentioned your choices vary significantly from more neutral to warmer, so it’s really impossible to know what you’re looking for.  You should share what specific improvements and/or sound characteristics you’re looking for so you get more effective and useful recommendations here.