looking pre tube for mc452

SS McIntosh preamps have a more full bodied sound compared to the Mc tube preamps if that is what you are after. 

Did you roll the tubes in your C2300 or did you use the stock tubes?

I have used Mc and CJ preamps with Mc amps.  CJ should be warm and lush if that is the sound you want...ET-3 should work well output impedance wise.  BTW, the MC452 should respond very well to a good power cable.  This may help give you the performance you are looking for.  Well done ICs and speaker cable will have a major effect on that amp's performance as well IMO.  As always, YMMV.  Good Luck!

thank you maxwaves
i tried tungsol and gold lion with c2300. Very well sound. but sterile with my wilson sophias.

CJ ET3 can be more smooth ?

I heard an ARC REF3 driving a MC402 a couple years ago at a fellow audiogoner's house.  I thought the combo was stellar.