Thanks for that advice guys, that one slipped through my fingers, as well as Marantz 2238 for $100.00!!!!! What is the step up from the SX-650 to the 850, besides watts? Is it really that much of a difference?

Poppa, I did a lot of research and tinkering with the tubed Pioneer and the electronics were just too shaky and it would require money that I would rather invest in a modern tube piece. I donated it to the Brooks Berdan future audio museum, the owner and I did a once over. Besides it get's way too hot and I had no safe place to put it. Heard any decent preamps for $300? Love to incorporate my cd player into the equation. How's that Creek? What is it's sound characteristics?

Anyone a PS Audio or Cambridge preamp fan?