best preamp for a MC-252 for under $1500

Ok, well you are new indeed. Here is the quick rundown on my answers for you: THD doesn't mean much (I am an electrical engineer). Tubes do indeed produce more distortion than transistors but your ears hear it differently. McIntosh makes some great preamps with their customary 0.005% THD and you won't ever have any tube hassles - but you will have to buy used though as new Mc preamps are way more than $1500. I would suggest the C41 but it doesn't come up for sale often.

Tubes are really cool. I used to only like transistors but now I have warmed up to tubes and have 2/3 of my system using them. If you have the desire to do a little homework on the subject, I would highly recommend a tube preamp in your future. Knowing what speakers you have would make it easier to be more specific as to models. Also, do you know what type of sound you like i.e., warm and involving or cool and analytical? Arthur

Thanks Arthur for your time and knowledge. I am embarrassed about my speakers, but okay-dont laugh, I have 4 901's...
But only 2 are being used for obvious reasons. Also, using a Yamaha 1000W powered sub. My speaker selection really shows my newness! Yes I plan on selling all my speakers, but that is next weeks project. Do you have speaker recommenations? Actually, the 901's do sound good if you have the room for the 87% reflected sound they spew. Also, they need the right amp. But i digress.
I do know that my recent upgrade from an MC-2205 to an MC-252 made a world of difference. Of course, the price difference was world's apart. Being new, I only can know the meaning of 'warm'= 'fat', and I guess 'cool' is meaning 'thin'or 'bright'? But 'involved' and 'analytical'are descriptions i do not yet understand.
I do like warm. I dont like harsh, ear fatigue boxes. But love the highs. I guess I want it all. Right now, I have the CDP straight into MC-252. Using, nervously, the CDP's remote control volume to attenuate gain. Carefully making sure the CDP volume is at minimum before powering up the amp. (no gain control on amp). Will failing to do this bring amp to max gain when switched on? Anyway, again, I thank you for bearing with my newbieness and you help.
Al

Your best bet would be to spend the money on speakers. Running your cd player through your amp shouldn't be a problem. Do some reading and ask for help. Forget about distortion specs on amps and preamps as most are so low as to be a non issue. The Mac amp you have is a very good amp and some Vandersteen, Theils, Rocket, PSB and numerous other brands will sound better than the 901's. Different speakers sound different even though one may be as good as the other. Your ears will have to decide. There's a number of small companies that have speakers that are great for the money at audiocircle.com. Ask questions as people love to help. Bottom line is your speakers should be the most important component to replace imo.

Yes, I agree with the post above - get new speakers first. If you like highs but not harshness (you chose a great amp for this), I would suggest you try JM Lab speakers. They have some for all budgets and McIntosh amps complement them VERY well. Thiels are also a good choice.

Once you have speakers nailed down, a preamp should (IMO) improve the dynmaics significantly. I have yet to find a Mc amp that likes to be run directly - unless your cdp has tons of gain which I doubt it does.

Let us know what you find that works for you. Good luck and have fun! Arthur