What active preamp...

I'm thinking maybe the McCormack ALD or RLD were others in that catagory?

I know McCormacks are good bang for a buck but they're all extra-bright in active mode

Marakanetz,
You are looking for a transparent preamp without colorations and yet planning to connect it with MIT 2 interconnects. IMHO they are OK for HT or Mid-Fi stuff, but will completely negate any benefits you could get from moving your equipment.
As to preamps, I would look into used CAT preamps. They have excellent phono section, btw.

good point about the T2's: should upgrade to a better cable anyway (T4 if not the 350, if you want to stick with MIT) as that T2 is a compromise at this application level

I used T2 for the STAX SRM1 headphone driver that I believe less affected by the wire quality. In general I believe that T2 has a great built quality and great plugs but anywhay I use it temporarily to check how it works. I'll definitely brew for myself some VanDenHul Type1(depends on my decision) since I always basically refer to these interconnects. The other alternative that I have is to get longer speaker wire at least for one monoblock. The ones I use VanDenHul CV125 are the best ones that I know for the money. I paid for unterminated pair of 6ft runs $75 and changed them over JPS labs Superconductor!