pre-amp for original Marantz Model 9 mono amps?

I used Marantz 9 amplifiers for 20+ years and was very pleased with the match of a Conrad-Johnson PV-9 over the last 10 years I lived with these wonderful creatures. Today, I would be very inclined to consider combining these amplifiers with Aesthetix tube gear: Calypso line stage (and Rhea phono stage, if you're also into vinyl), or Janus full function preamp. The Aesthetix gear will give you all the functionality you could look for in a modern control center preamp, plus it will complement well what you like about the Marantz 9s while providing them with a more sonically neutral partner.
.

Courios to see why you are not considering the Marantz 7 (tubed) preamp?

Fernando

To anser one question, I already own a Marantz Model 7. I wanted to generate a discussion that might consider new as well as old products. For exapmle would one be wise to try a Conrad Joanson ART or ART II, or if really rich an ACT II or the Boulder elite products? Would the amps capture the nuances of current products? Thanks to the responders! I hope that one day TAS would compare the Model 9 amps to the Tenors, Halcro's Edge etc. to see if we have really made progress (I can't afford to purchase all of these goodies, and not too many other people could either!)