Preamps better than Parasound JC-2 ?

Can it be true that this thread has gone on for 4 years?  The date of the OP is 7/11/2014.  And during this time the picky milpai has rejected all suggestions for one reason or another.

db

Why not a  SS passive with OpAmp on board? I love my Hattor but it does not have an OpAmp, which I  need for impedance matching to my amp XLR provides ~ 6dB more gain

@milpai  Consider an Atmasphere MP-3 (new or used) has everything you are looking for, I bet you would be amazed!

@jnovak ,Thank You for the feedback. Recently another forum member has paired the XP-20 with a Proac and seems very content.
@dbphd ,Yes, it has been 4 years and in between I stopped my search and upgraded my loudspeaker. It took 2 years to finalize a GREAT pair. Picky - you bet I am. I visited dozens of showrooms and a few audio shows to finalize a pair of speakers. What made you think I rejected all the suggestions? I have not yet picked any preamp. I am super picky because once I invest I have to be satisfied to live with it for at least 8-9 years. My last speakers I had for 12 years, current preamp for almost 10 years. You buy on impulse? I suggest that you ignore this thread and move on.

@tweak1 ,I want to experiment with an active preamp. Been using a passive for the past 9 years. They are SUPER transparent and I am pretty happy. I don't hink I will sell my passive if I get the active. Just want to try out something different. You know the itch ;-)
@rsf507 ,While I am a bit considering tubes, that preamp has tons of tubes in it. The Backer Lab Rhumba is something I can consider, since it has 2 tubes and their access is also easy.

I just scored a used AA active dac/pre, but it hasn't arrived yet. The reviews are phenomenal, especially when adding the outboard power supply. Unfortunately this one did not, but, can be purchased.