Anthem STR vs Parasound JC 2 BP vs any other sub $5,000 Preamp?

The following preamps are what I considered because I have the same room as you:

Anthem STR
Lyngdorf 2170 or 3400
Linn Selekt  https://www.linn.co.uk/sources/network-music-players/selekt
DEQX  https://www.deqx. com/products/

I am leaning towards the Anthem because of the feature set and user feedback. However, I will compare the Anthem with the Lyngdorf and Linn before I commit with a buy.

I have left the DEQX in the sidelines for now due to the additional complexity of setting it up. 

The Lyngdorf comes with amplification (so an integrated but can be used as a preamp only)

BTW - I recently added GIK treatments ($700) and they made a massive difference in the sound quality. Some photos are available on my virtual system.

Gentlemen, I am the WRSM for Anthem and thank you for considering the our STR PREAMP.  What kind of Amp do you have to mate with?  There is also our STR INTEGRATED...Our products have a minimum 309 hour break-in period by the way, so you may want to verify the amount of time not just on the unit, but the input as well when auditioning.
I don’t know where either of you are located - I cover just about everything West of the Mississippi River. If you have trouble finding or auditioning the unit, please reach out to our company directly, or through the Anthem website, and have them put you in touch with one of us Regionals and we’ll do what we can to help.  This forum has many restrictions and block phone numbers/email addresses -otherwise I’d have you contact me directly.  Thank you again!

If I go with the Anthem it’ll be the STR Power Amp. 

What room correct have you considered so far?

BTW - the 4 items I listed are all at the $5K MSRP or less. You can configure options on a few of them to go up higher in price.