Those of you having experience with Manley Shrimp

I second what Dwhitt says. I had a DNA-1 powering my 3.5 maggies with a tube preamp and the sound was outstanding. I have since moved up the McCormack foodchain and have a fully SMC modded DNA-225 powering them. Another great point is that Steve McCormack is a great guy and will answer and help you on any matter concerning his gear. I say grap it and enjoy.

First, power up preamp, then power amp/amps. When shutting down, do the opposite; shut down power amp first, then pre.

As for amps, knowing what speakers they'll be used with might help w/good recommendations. Personally, I've always liked Pass Labs if you have to have ss amps. The older Aleph series are great value, but which model you need depends on matching to speaker.
I would go for tubes over any ss amp.
Cheers,

Spencer

I have the Tyler Acoustics Super Towers. Sensitivity is 92db with an 8 ohm impedance not dropping below 6.5 ohms. Easy speaker to drive.

Brought home a used Mccormack DNA-1 to demo. Since the Shrimp has not yet arrived, I hooked it up to the pre outs of an old Marantz 2270 I have laying around. I was quite surprised at the sound. I suppose the next question down the road (and I mean a long road) will be whether to do an upgrade of this unit or go for a new 225. Thoughts on this? Thanks.

I am a big fan of the DNA-1 and would think you will be very happy with it for a long time. If you can find a DNA-1 Deluxe they already have some factory upgrading done. I was very pleased with my 1 before upgrading to the 225 and I do hear a difference but in hindsight I could have kept the DNA-1 and been vey happy with it and put my upgrade dollars into something else. Either way you go these are fine amps with a great support system behind them from SMC. You should go to Steve's website to see the upgrade chart for his amps before you invest in either one and read the history on his amps.