<font color='#000000'>I purchased the Outlaw Pre as a result of stuff I read here and so far am very satisfied with it. (Thank you indeed Audioholics.) I've read the notes about lack of bells and whistles, but I have to say, even as it stands its the most complicated piece of equipment I've ever set up, and I struggle a bit to see what all the bells and whistles are for. Further, the folks here doing the evaluating seem to place a fair amount of importance on including future compatible features on equipment. That's great if its free, but I'm sure its not. For example, 1394 spec hookups. I'm not even sure what its for, but the Outlaw gets knocked for not having it. I've got it on my TV, but have never used it and find the manufacturers explanations wholly opaque.
My point is, make sure you only pay for what you need.
As to your amp needs, I'd suggest used power amp from Ebay or Audiogon. Most people seem to agree that there's been less techno improvement in amps than almost anywhere else. Your existing amp should be fine for rear channels or center if you're going theater (remember the Outlaw has calibration features that let you adapt different powered equipment), and you can get good 200 wat per channel amps 10 years old or more which are great for a fraction of a new price. I'm running a 5.1 system with a designer reworked Counterpoint tube (front) $700, a Aragon 4004 200 watt per channel for subs (can be had for about the same, tho I bought it new for $2000) and a 200 watt per channel Carver 1.0t that can be had for $250. For center I use the Mitsubishi TV stuff, which I can control through the Outlaw.
All that's well within your budget, and I bet you'd like the sound of tubes with your Maggies.</font>
