Preamp for my system...Please

Mike I had always ahd a solid state system top to bottom. And I wanted to add a 2 channel pre-amp with unity gain and decided to take a run at tubes. I bought a Audio Research LS26 about 650 hours ago and am very happy with the sound. I had been advised if I was to try tubes to do the pre-amp first and I can atest that I was given good advice. I looked at the McIntosh C2300 and the rest of my system is Mcintosh Pre/pro and amps and I think the LS26 was the right choice. People that I talked to about the C2300 advised me to go with a C2200 but it didn't have unity gain so I jumped brands, take a look at ARC.

Thanks for the responses so far. I will start researching these recommendations. I forgot to mention that I would like HT pass-through since I will still want that system for video.

given your system, I will suggest Cary SLP-05. I have heard Cary in dealer show room only, but my impression, like most, was very positive and found Cary to be musical and warm. I had ARC Ref 3 in my system for a short while, also heard it in several friends' systems. It's neutral but also casts its own sound. do a search on this forum to find out what are the negative comments of Ref3.

Both Spectron and B&W are on the leaner side of sound, Cary should complement the system well. if you don't mind not having XLR, try Conrad Johnson as well. I also like SF Line 3SE.

You might be able to find a VAC Renaissance preamp in that price range. I am impressed by mine. It has the pass through plus you can run single ended or balanced in/outs. The build quality and material quality is second to none. No cheap folded metal case and one of the things I like best, a continous volume control to get the level just right.
The VAC sounds great with my N802's.

I am third for Cary SLP-05 - terrific preamplifier, warm and musical, very convenient HT pass-through - it works even when preamp is turned off.