Given that you deploy 3 sources your emphasis on the preamp makes sense, with the caveat that there is more than one way to an end.
On the digital side improvements in both CD and Heos playback can be improved with a DAC. For this you would need two SPDIF inputs that are compatible with CD player and Heos output. On the vinyl side the phonostage will be as important as the line level stage on the preamp. The purchase of a linestage preamp and separate phonostage is a possibility.
I was in this same situation when I upgraded my system (after 25 years) which also included vinyl, CD, and the addition of computer audio. I found that the digital sources were taking priority over vinyl so allocated greatest portion of budget on those sources. For me that was to purchase a line level preamp that was compatible with my amp and provide it with outboard DAC and phonostage. The DAC I purchased (used Bryston BDA-1) has several SPDIF inputs which accommodate my DVD player as transport and my computer via USB/SPDIF converter.
I believe you need to establish what your priority will be towards each source and allocate budget based on that. Let time be on your side, as that can help insure best decision making and increase potential budget.
Good luck, and keep us informed along the way.
On the digital side improvements in both CD and Heos playback can be improved with a DAC. For this you would need two SPDIF inputs that are compatible with CD player and Heos output. On the vinyl side the phonostage will be as important as the line level stage on the preamp. The purchase of a linestage preamp and separate phonostage is a possibility.
I was in this same situation when I upgraded my system (after 25 years) which also included vinyl, CD, and the addition of computer audio. I found that the digital sources were taking priority over vinyl so allocated greatest portion of budget on those sources. For me that was to purchase a line level preamp that was compatible with my amp and provide it with outboard DAC and phonostage. The DAC I purchased (used Bryston BDA-1) has several SPDIF inputs which accommodate my DVD player as transport and my computer via USB/SPDIF converter.
I believe you need to establish what your priority will be towards each source and allocate budget based on that. Let time be on your side, as that can help insure best decision making and increase potential budget.
Good luck, and keep us informed along the way.