newbiee needs veterans advice

I am starting a home stereo system at a minimum wages pace. I stated with 601 Dm S2 speakers, and was going to purchase a Denon AVR 2803 amp. Now I am considering a tube like a Mcintosh mc-30,mc-40,mc-60 depending on price and shape of equipment. What is a preamp for,what do they do. Are B&W 601 DMS2 good speakers to start with to match with a tube amp. I hear some speakers do not go well with tube amps. Would you recomend another set of quality bookshelf speakers that match tube amps, or B&W Ok. I think I'm getting caught in the more expensive the better sounding it will be idea instead of matching equipment. I know this is an expensive hobby,but i am afraid I'll buy a component with stuff i don't need or won't appreciate. Have invested to much in collecting music to foul up stereo. I am considering a audio illussion pre-amp 2C because I'm copying another guys system on the web who has a pair of Micintosh MC-30 amps, will this sound great. Why does he have a pair of these amps instead of just one? Is it true tube amps have little bass? Will a good pre-amp fix this, or is that what I should avoid in a pre-amp? My goal is to be so satisfied that I'll never buy amps or pre amps again. But I am anxiuos and would like to buy parts in the 1500 range because again, at minimum wages pace, this will take about a year to get a complete system around 1500 dollars a pice and I can't wait to finish. The only parts I'd buy are bigger speakers if I get a bigger space.I live in a small space;sound listening area might benifit with another pair of shelf speakers, but floorstanding will be to big?Please help. Any ansewer to any of these top or bottom questions will be a big help. What is a good tube pre-amp for micintosh tube amps. What is the 2C stand for in audio illusions preamp, I can't find on web. If it means 2 channel, whats that mean or what beniffit is it. What do amp channels mean,why the more the better. Do the 2C on the audible illusion pre-amp or channels on an amp have to do with sound? Is a pre-amp with an external power supply better?Why?I listen to rock and jazz mainly, can you recomend a system and/or preamp that would be amazing sounding and life time satisfiying. Need true, rough as it may be advice. All info I read sounds like a sales pitch. Thank you