Again, I think Krell Man has nailed it. My Krell KRC-3 up for sale and is in sale pending status. I had this pre for six years and it is still in perfect condition and still one of the best pres I've owned. I recently replaced the KRC-3 with a Classe CP-65 which in my opinion the Classe is a more refined pre, but certainly does not embarass the KRC-3. And a perfect match for the Krell KSA-150, which I have a modded 150 in my system for six years. If Winchel modded his 150 with Blackgates, even if it's only in the power supply, IMHO he would not need a tube amp for the top end. As Krell Man eluded to, if you don't have Amp and pre right, what ever comes after really does not matter.