Tube pre/SS amp to replace Plinius 8200 integrated

I've owned both the Soliloquy 6.2's and the Plinius 8200 MkII. Strongly suggest you upgrade your speakers first as they are undoubtedly your weakest link (IME). Suggest you try Dynaudio Contour S3.4's ($2,500 used)... would be a significant upgrade over the Soliloquy's and they'd be a decent match with the Plinius 8200 integrated... and they will respond favorably when you upgrade your amplification down the road.

After selling my Plinius integrated, I went with a Plinius SA-102 amp and a Aesthetix Calypso pre with good NOS tubes... both can be had for approx. $5,600 for the pairing.

Tmiddle's amp/pre suggestion is also solid advice and within your price range... but upgrade your speakers first!

I like the Vincent Hybrid idea.

Another suggestion would be the PrimaLuna ProLogue Three tube preamplifier and the Cambridge Audio Azur 840W solid state power amplifier.

Always upgrade speakers first,then match amp/pre with it

Thank you for your responses thus far. I'm probably not going to go the Vincent route. I'm not sure if I'm going to see marked improvement by replacing the plinius integrated with the vincent integrated. Moreover, I'm resolved to purchasing from brands that are predominant in the market. I took a chance with the Soliloquy's and, well, we all know what happened to them...

Regarding speakers first then working back towards the source, I'm well aware of that philosophy. I think the reverse holds true as well. Unfortunately, I have a wife that only views speakers as furniture and she's pleased with the veneer of the current speakers.

Regarding the Dynaudio's, I have repeatedly heard great things about pairing them with plinius gear. I'll have to audition them one day. Does anyone happen to know if that grey face place can be removed? Both my wife and I think that it's too post modern for our pottery barn tastes.

I'm liking the idea of a plinius amp with a tube pre. Maybe the ones listed above or an audio research?

The grey face is integral part of Contour speaker. Look the Dynaudio Focus 220 II or Focus 360 as potential alternatives - more classic wood finish and Danis good looks - very neutral (not rolled off) sounding with quality electronics. These speakers do take eons to break-in.