The preamplifier collects the signals from the input components (turntable, tuner, CD player, etc.) and distributes it to the power amplifier for output to the speakers. Inexpensive is always a killer. Maybe an Audiosource PreOne/A and Amp 300. There are many integrated amps (preamp and amp in one box) that are pretty good for $800 or less. NAD C352 Rotel RA-1062 Cambridge Audio Azur 640A However, all are stereo devices.

If you are eventually going to get into 5.1 or 7.1 why not a decent multichannel receiver or integrated amp? Like a Pioneer Elite VSX-80TXV, Denon AVR-2307CI and Cambridge Audio Azur 540R or Outlaw 1070, respectively. It is most likely going to be the most cost effective for you in the long run.

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Hey does anyone know a good preamp and amp that can both be purchsed for 800 or less.

Sure, you can buy any number of decent integrated amplifiers for less that $800. Just shop the pre owned gear from Audio Classics or Audiogon. An integrated amplifier will have a pre amp and a power amp. They will just happen to be on the same chassis. Which, on a tight budget, is a good thing. Shopping used on a tight budget is also usually a good thing. Don't get hung up on separates if you're on a budget of any kind. There are more than enough good sounding integrateds to have a very nice system for low dollar outlay, and a good integrated will beat bad separates any time. Personally, I'd find a deal on a vintage McIntosh integrated. Buy it and you can sell it for the same price you paid (or more) in five years time. That's free hifi, guy!

For $800 you should buy the best music reproduction you can find. For discrete multichannel you will be shopping receivers. It won't be McIntosh so just ignore that part of my last post.

The only difference usually is an AM/FM tuner in the receiver. There aren't many relatively inexpensive multichannel integrated amps, they aren't for the mainstream market, but many multichannel receivers are reasonably priced as they are marketed to the masses. If you don't need the radio then an integrated will do, but you should expect DTS surround sound and several Dolby processing variants, and you will be into bigger bucks than with many of the receivers available. Sounds like you need to get into one of the better A/V receivers for around $800.

NAD T752
Denon AVR-2307CI
Pioneer Elite VSX-82TXV
Cambridge Audio Azur 540R (Can't figure out why the 640R costs