Which preamp? Audible Illusions Rogue Audio ARC

It's hard to go wrong with Audio Research, which has very good sound, great reliability and terrific customer support. You might try to pick up an LS15, which I'd say would make you very happy. Try to get one of the later units because it would have the Infinicap upgrade.

The local audio/video shop quit carrying Rogue because about every other unit was defective. And Audible Illusions has some major customer support issues. Happy listening.

I sure do like my Blue Circle Audio 21.1 with upgraded tubes.

It should be mentioned that the different tube preamps will have different flavors. The ARC being quite accurate with what I consider the perfect amount of tube sound, which is slight. You can go from there. There are some that will make the details less prevailant and the bass softer. These can have very lush and enticing mids though. If this is your first tube gear you may want to stay away from the shock of the very tubey pre's of which the ARC is not. I agree with the above poster that an ARC LS 15 would be a good fit. You're going to wish you'd tried one sooner, you'll hear why.

Thanks for the tips and info. ARC LS 15 seems to be quite popular in the used equipment market.
BTW, has anyone compared between LS15 to LS16?, or even the older LS2 preamp? I am justifying if it is worth considering the LS16 if I stretch my budget further..

Any comment would help.
Thanks!

Well, don't mean to sound like a broken record, but since you own a McCormack amp, I'd consider getting an Audible Illusions unit (M3A if you have phono, L-1 otherwise). Mates very well.