Pre-Amp Recommendation

SF Line 2 (and save $$$) or Line 3. I had LS-15 and Ref 1 before, Line 3 was so much better I regreted not upgrading earlier. Prior to LS-15, I also own AI Mod 2D.

We have some similiar equipment. I would recommend that you go for just a few bucks more and look for an ARC LS5MkIII. It's ARC's best next to the Ref 1 and Ref 2. It has great medrange magic and is much better than the LS25 which sounds more clinical. It would mate great with your ARC amp, CD2 and PH3. It's truly fully balanced, has a remote and is a steal at the current prices. Good Luck!

Fiddler,

Your tubes cost almost as much as the preamp. It oughta sound good. I've invested heavily in tubes for my SupraTek also. I can afford to because I didn't have to spend $10K to get the sound I was looking for.

Cmcdaniel5

If you have to have a balanced output, then you don't have many options. BAT or SupraTek. SupraTek's phonostage recieves a lot of rants.

Counterpoint SA5000 $1500
send it back to Mike Elliot at Alta Vista to add the balance out. ($250)

SF Line 3 is also a very fine choice, although higher than budget indicated. I had one for 2 years and was very satisfied with it's performance and features that are simply incredible.