That's pretty much what I was thinking on the older amps. I feel like I would get a better amp for the same money. As for my P5, I could end up wanting to upgrade that later, but for now, I feel like that is going to be a very good pre for the money.
I agree with your thoughts on the cables. I think the moderately priced cables are the way to go. Although I think they are also pretty overpriced. But I think cables particularly speaker and power cables need to fit the application. For example, I don't think you would want to use the same cables for a 50wpc amp into bookshelf speakers as you would pushing 1000wpc into giant speakers.
I agree with your thoughts on the cables. I think the moderately priced cables are the way to go. Although I think they are also pretty overpriced. But I think cables particularly speaker and power cables need to fit the application. For example, I don't think you would want to use the same cables for a 50wpc amp into bookshelf speakers as you would pushing 1000wpc into giant speakers.