Looking for advice on amp/pre amps...

The best solution in your pricerange is a Panasonic SA-XR45 or SA-XR70 (due out shortly). These are around $400 and give you 100 watts per channel. They can be modded for around $1000-$1200 and sound superb once modded. You will not be able to achieve this kind of sound for less than $3-4K using separates.

Wow, very nice suggestions, i should clarify one thing, i am able to spend roughly 2k on each piece, pre amp, amp, cd player(or combo), etc. I'm single atm so really money is not a big concern however, i'd like to keep it somewhat reasonable. Keep the info coming, i love it, thx again, Bob

Oh, sorry forgot to include my current system. Keep in mind i didn't do research and made the mistake of the local salespitch/costs alot so it has to be good.

-Pioneer Elite VSX-09TX reciever(looking for more music oriented system, less movie surround sound)

-Pioneer Elite DVL-91 cd/dvd/ld player(played 20times broke, no one seems to be able to fix it)

-Paradigm Studio 100's v.2(just picked up slightly used for a song, the reason i'm looking at upgrading.

-Roughly a 15'x30' living room in an apartment, off it is the kitchen with open bar, the other side is 4 - 4'x6' windows with curtains.
Things i've learned in a short period of time thx to you guys and the forum...

1. Nobody knows what sounds good to me except me
2. Don't buy the first thing u see/hear
3. I need to get educated(in the process) on just what the heck everyone is talking about, lol, i really am a newb. Meaning, terms, tech, etc. what is obvious to most of u, is French to me.

Keep the info coming! Thx again, Bob

Sorry, i forgot to mention my goal with the system is mainly listening to music, then movies. I'm more concerned with how my music sounds than if bullets seem to be coming from all directions. Don't get me wrong, i love movies, its just if i have to pick one or the other i'm more concerned with its definitly the music.

Look for Sean,or the audioengr guy on this site,they are real knowledgeable,good luck,Bob