best preamp for a MC-252 for under $1500

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

Thanks, Aball and Warnerwh. I will take your advice on the speakers. Wanna buy some 901's? JK. Also, my power is really bad, i think. I live in a 40 year old house that has old 2 prong outlets. I have installed a grounded 3 prong box for the system, but i know that is not enough. Sometimes the same program (audio) will not sound the same. Distorted. I have not noticed with the new amp, though. I used to run front of house P.A. (very large rig) for 10 years for a heavy metal band. I always used ear plugs except during a show. I am aware that different factors in the enviroment and the state of your being can alter the percieved sound. So my question is does this happen to anyone else? is it me or the system. or the power? Thanks again.
Al

It could be your power. New power lines usually only cost 2 to 400. Only you'll be able to tell if it's the power. You may consider getting a power conditioner like a Powervar or Oneac for the cd player and see if that helps. The power supply in the Mcintosh is no doubt excellent and may be why you're not hearing the problem with that amplifer.
When it comes to speakers you'll find alot of different tastes. Many companies these days make great speakers for the money. There's a few at audiocircle.com that are standouts as well as other companies that sell direct so they have no advertising or middle man markups. You'll have to find the reviews on these stars yourself. Ask here as well as audiocircle and audioasylum and then do some research. Most importantly take your time.