Amp-preamp, Integrated paring with Magico A3

@glennewdick 

Having heard the A3s at a local dealer they definitely have a sound signature that can be made or broken by amplification according to my sonic preferences. 

So the choices become important.   

I would suggest a nicely clear and smooth, slightly forward tube preamp that uses 6SN7 tubes- example Cary Audio SLP-05, ModWright LS100.  Combine that with a dead neutral power amp e.g. Bryston 4B3, McIntosh MC312 and you'll have a winner.  

Some good suggestions, Thanks. 

Note I'm not going back to tube amps only tube preamps. I'm done with the heat and retubing cost of tube amps with the power I will need. 

ARC Ref 6SE is on my list, a friend also owns one and i like what it can do. There is a used Ref 6 on here i'm looking at, I could have it upgraded to the SE version. 

Vitus is interesting and like the custom colors.

Don’t know anything about AudioNet I’ll look.

I’ve owned and like early Cary gear so may relook.

No Bryston, not my cup of tea.

Just sold my Mac gear thinking of something else.

Was considering Accuphase prior to the magico buy, but that maybe a step down for these speakers, But I can get an in-home demo with Accuphase so I can rule it out easily. Same with Moon gear.   

If ARC Reference matches well with Boulder, that's what I would certainly try if I could. Also, perhaps ARC with Gryphon Essence.

From what I have read, many consider the Pre-Amp to have more influence, than the Amp, on the final SQ.  

I like what my ARC Ref6-SE has done for my system.

That said, there many great SS amps to choose from.  You may want to consider speaking with Magico for a short-list of brands/models that have worked-well for other A3 owners (current may be a high priority).

Good luck.  

Your ability to audition Simaudio Moon seems like a great place to start. I'm also puzzled that people seem to want to use different brand Preamps vs. power amps. I believe they are generally designed to work perfectly as a brand.