Coming out of the blackhole called work...retirement

Nice yet still inexpensive preaplifiers are
easy to find
 If you use the price tab and click on it. Peamps starting from $200 or so..
Lots of decent ones on AudiogoN.

As a suggestion.. I would say start with what sort of speakers you want? Rather than the preamp.
And Do you live in Australia? If not, I suggest buying products made where you live. Local is usually a better deal than an import

Quoting Maynard G. Krebs: "Work!"

Go on some road trips to some audio shows around the country or the world. You will be able to talk to different dealers and will probably work out some demo time in your house. Or, you can team up with some manufacturers like PS Audio that gives you weeks of in-house usage and if you don’t like a component, they will take it back

Welcome to retirement! 

If you’ve been out of the loop for awhile, you may consider taking your time and wading in slowly.

Technology has changed somewhat, for instance: streaming music, powered home speakers, room correction technology, etc. I’m amazed at the sound quality from relatively compact setups. Of course if you like the idea of traditional components, there are plenty. My point is there are likely options you may not be familiar with. 

I would guess most all are represented here to some extent with valuable expertise to boot-

Hope you enjoy retirement!

Regards,
gary

Congrats, you're gonna love it as long as you have a hobby. Audio is a great one. Been retired since 1/1/2010 and been offered jobs left and right. Turned them all down. Nobody wants to agree on my terms. I'm still in process of getting to nirvana in the audio world. I'm close but............. they keep extending the rabbit hole. Welcome to the hole.