Preamp/ Amp matching

Thank yo for your suggestion, I will look into that preamp a bit more.
However my real question is whether a balanced pre would be a waste of time with my amplifier. I notice that a lot of the reviews regarding preamps are in the balanced configuration and not wired single ended to the amp. A few other reviews on preamps suggest that the balanced outputs offer far greater improvement over sound as does single ended. Yet so many manuf. only offer se outputs.
If I purchase a preamp with balanced and single ended outs and only use the se outputs will I be missing something?
My amp does not require a lot of gain so SE is not a problem. A couple of reviews regarding the LS-9 suggest NOT to use the single ended outputs as they are inferior to the balanced. Why would this be, and if the case why would they offer both.
Thanks

May I suggest that you try Audible Illusions M3A tubed pre with external power supply...it's fabulous and a great buy used. Since your amp is only single-ended, buying a pre with balanced in/outs will be redundant. In order for your system to be "balanced" your amp MUST also have balanced connections and connected via xlr's. Higher gain does not necessarily mean better sound.

Hope this helps and good luck with your pre search.

It is wrong to characterize balanced as "more modern" since some of the finest equipment made in the world today is single ended. I would choose a preamp from a manufacturer that specializes in single ended equipment as equipment that is optimized for balanced operation is not always at it's best when used single ended.

I would add the Conrad Johnson PV-10 to my short list.

IMHO balanced linkage is of only real significance with long cable runs ( say >50ft) as per the professional usage for which it was intended (mixer desk to PA's). I have some McIntosh and Theta amps/preamps and haven't noted any audible difference between the two. Features such as impedance matching, inputs (+/- phono stage), remote, cosmetics as well as overall sonic performance are likely to be far more important than worrying about XLR.

I agree with seminola22 .I used my ARC line stage with balanced and single ended (My power amp ML27.5 has both types of inputs as well)outputs and can't say I noticed any difference in sound quality.Now I am not golden eared either.The Direct input in my line stage provides far better sound than any other gimmick.
I read somewhere that in order to get improvements in sound quality the whole system has to be balanced.Audio research provides(favors) balanced inputs/outputs in all(I think) of their products.As well as other manufacturers .
Balanced was designed for professional applications where extra long cable runs are often used.