Considering Schiit equipment

If I went with the Kara F I would need a couple of RCA to XLR adapters though. 

Not sure which way to go on that. 

I haven't ruled out anything yet. As a matter of fact, someone off list told me about Benchmark Media. I took a brief look at their AHB2 Power Amplifier and their LA4 Line Amplifier (preamp). It has XLR and RCA inputs but not enough ( 4 total )even if I use RCA to XLR adapters. This company is actually not too far from me so I'm going to speak to them tomorrow hopefully. Maybe they can do something for me with more inputs. They are also above my price limit but for a local company, we'll see what happens. Maybe one amp and a preamp this year and another amp next year????? Those inputs are the deal breaker/maker. Schiit is definitely still a consideration too. Open to others as well. 

Cardas RCA > XLR adapters will work just fine for you since you are "down converting" meaning it's not a balanced signal you are trying to preserve. I doubt you would notice any difference. Ya get what ya pay for vs Amazon stuff. Search out a Cardas dealer. Make sure you get the right configuration on the adapters. 

Thanks.  Yeah, it's the configuration part I know nothing about.

I did some further reading on Benchmark amps. Seems they're not the best for fit for older recordings, which I have a lot of. Too analytical I'm reading. 

Schiit seems to have been called out for QC problems. I wonder if that's been remedied?

And finally, in conclusion.....

I looked at a lot more products the last couple of days.

It seems everything was too much of a compromise in one way or another.  Not enough inputs, not enough power, incompatibility etc. So I figured I had to up the budget a little and continue the search.

I ended up buying a pair of Cambridge Audio Edge M monoblocks through Upscale Audio.  They had a decent price. For at least the time being, I'll use my Harmon Kardon Citation 25 preamplifier. It has a remote, tons of inputs, it's what I'm used to and it's compatible with the Cambridge M's. 

I really appreciate everyone's input here. I learned a few things along the way. 

Honestly, I would have been glad to get the Schiit gear if only it had more inputs on the preamplifier. I need 7 and something in my gut just says stay away from switchboxes and adapters.  I just don't know enough about them.

Thanks again everyone!

Congratulations with the new amps, Cambridge is a good company.