what's the best pre amp

I bought a new Audible Illusions L-2 to go with my Belles 350A. It makes a wonderful combo. I feel this is the best sounding AI preamp to date. Its smooth, transparent and dynamic. It is also quiet for a tube pre. It also has remote volume that works wonderfully. A very up to date product.

The next one.

Doesn't the Cary have 'variable' output on it. Seems like many of the Cary's do. Unless you have others sources to hook up, I'd go right into the amp from the cd player, as long as it has enough voltage output.