If you don't have plans for multiple sources, and you want to go digital only, you may decide to skip the preamp altogether. Many fine DACs have the ability to connect directly to a power amp without a preamp. The PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC Mark II that I use has this capability, though I do not use it this way as I play a lot of vinyl as well. In fact, PS Audio suggests connecting the DAC directly to the power amp for the best results.
as for the challenges of learning about modern digital playback, it's not all that complicated, although there are so many products to choose from that one's head can spin.
here's how I did it. I used some ripping software to rip my cd library to an uncompressed format on a computer. I sold all of my CDs to a used music shop! I put the music on its own dedicated hard disk, which is backed up twice. I bought a small, used, few year old Mac mini to run the music software. It sits on the audio shelf next to the dedicated hard disk with the music, and is connected to the PS Audio DAC via high quality but not very expensive USB cable. The music software I chose is the easiest and most pleasant to use on the market, called Roon. The computer is always on (has no display connected), and so whenever I want to listen, I turn on my DAC and amplifiers, launch the Roon player app on my phone and control the music from there. Add a Tidal HiFi subscription to that, which interfaces with Roon, and you have your own collection plus Tidal's library at your fingertips on a smartphone or tablet.
this DAC is in the price range of your preamp budget and its excellent.. If this does not appeal to you, and you want to purchase a preamp first, perhaps some other forum members will be more knowledgeable about your amp, and have better advice than I can give, but I think the high end DAC direct to your power amp is a very attractive option for you.
as for the challenges of learning about modern digital playback, it's not all that complicated, although there are so many products to choose from that one's head can spin.
here's how I did it. I used some ripping software to rip my cd library to an uncompressed format on a computer. I sold all of my CDs to a used music shop! I put the music on its own dedicated hard disk, which is backed up twice. I bought a small, used, few year old Mac mini to run the music software. It sits on the audio shelf next to the dedicated hard disk with the music, and is connected to the PS Audio DAC via high quality but not very expensive USB cable. The music software I chose is the easiest and most pleasant to use on the market, called Roon. The computer is always on (has no display connected), and so whenever I want to listen, I turn on my DAC and amplifiers, launch the Roon player app on my phone and control the music from there. Add a Tidal HiFi subscription to that, which interfaces with Roon, and you have your own collection plus Tidal's library at your fingertips on a smartphone or tablet.
this DAC is in the price range of your preamp budget and its excellent.. If this does not appeal to you, and you want to purchase a preamp first, perhaps some other forum members will be more knowledgeable about your amp, and have better advice than I can give, but I think the high end DAC direct to your power amp is a very attractive option for you.