High Output Preamp for First Watt SIT-3?


I'm new to the audiophile world and recently purchased a First Watt SIT-3 with Magnepan .7s.  I have a Mytek Brooklyn Bridge for streaming, though I prefer to play vinyl with my Mofi Ultradeck.  The Mytek serves as the phono stage (69dB gain for MM?), and I don't use a preamp;  the Brooklyn is connected directly to the First Watt. 

I understand that the SIT-3 is only 11.5 dB of gain, and that's extremely low compared to most amps.  I like most everything about the system except for the fact that I have the Mytek maxed out volume-wise many days.  Certain LPs are cut quieter, and I wish I had more power.  There are times streaming where the Maggies aren't getting to their sweet spot.  I realize the Maggies are a lower sensitivity speaker. 

What should I look for in a preamp to fully drive the SIT-3?  Eventually, I'd like to replace the phono stage instead of relying on the Brooklyn.  Is there a tube preamp featuring a phono stage with sufficient output to drive my amp in the $4k range?  Otherwise, I'm eyeing the Modwright PH 9.0 and a linestage preamp, realizing that this will probably be costlier.  I'm looking for a warm sound, not analytical but engaging. 

Any help is greatly appreciated.  I'm a working musician with a basic understanding of related electronics but little experience in this world. 

murphbass
Hi Al,
As soon as I posted I saw your response, you beat me by a minute. It seems that we have reached similar conclusions (😊)  regarding gain versus more power to drive the Maggie. 7 speakers. 
Charles 
Mglik-
Great info.  Quads have always been on the 'list.'  There's a lengthy thread on the Hoffman forums about which amps make them 'sing' that I bookmarked yesterday but have yet to read.  Does 'sand' refer to silicon and transistors, the graininess of solid state or something else?

I was a working musician until the coronavirus cleared my calendar.  Fortunately, I'm also an essential worker.  The Maggies don't reproduce the lowest octave(s), but in some sense, it is the truest representation of acoustic and electric bass I've heard.  My audiophile friends tease me about being a bassist yet not getting the support from my system. 

Greg-  I was hoping to hear from someone with the .7s and SIT-3.  Encouraging to know that you are liking that setup with a good preamp to match.  Similar room, too!
Murphbass,
Didn't see your latest post until I'd left a reply. Anyway I feel you made a good decision when all is factored in. There are truly excellent higher sensitivity dynamic speakers available (I listed a small sample a couple of days ago). I don't believe that you will miss the Magneplan speakers. 

I also believe you'll love SET amplifiers if you decide to go that route. As with mglik I'm a devoted SET aficianodo. 
Charles 
I have a Rogue RP-1 driving a FW F5 (clone) which seems to be a very good paring. 
The RP-1 also has an exceptional phono stage.  

https://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-audio-rp-1-preamplifier

One other suggestion.. The CAF 2019 “Best sound at Show” included the following components: MicroZOTL Z10 Integrated Amplifier, Spatial Audio M-3 Sapphire Speakers, Lampizator Amber 3 DAC. Given that you own Magnepan .7 speakers you must enjoy that very transparent, open airy sound. Your Mytek DAC is a good piece but you need to reassign the Mytek to just DAC duty. The 2 most open and airy preamps I’ve heard are the Dodd Audio Battery preamp (truly special) and any on the MicroZOTL preamps. The Dodd is not produced anymore but can purchased used for 1200 to 1500. The MicroZOTL’s are still being made and are sold by Linear Tube Audio. My guess that the aforementioned preamps paired with your Mytek DAC, Sit-3 AMP and a set of Spatial Audio M-3 Sapphires would make a truly magical system. If your a follower Terry London, you might run this combination of kit past him. Herb Reichert as also reviewed many of these pieces. Good luck in your synergistic search,
I’ve also had issues with the gain, using the Brooklyn as a preamp.