Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
Have you any brands in mind to investigate yet?
No, not yet. I'm right at the beginning of my exploration stage, and don't really know the pros and cons of various models out there. I notice that Chinese manufactured units seem reasonably priced, but I have no idea about their quality.

In addition, my thinking is evolving on the matter. I will start with a pre mated to my Musical Fidelity, and perhaps if I like it, eventually go the whole hog and get a power amp as well. In that case I would run the tubed equipment for vinyl and CD stereo only, and dedicate all the solid state stuff to home theatre and surround. However, all this is in the future, as I am low on funds at the moment, and my knowledge base is still not where I would be comfortable to make such a plunge. I am cautious by nature.