Improving my Preamp

Try a Luxman CL-38Uc. I have one and it works perfectly. Right in your price range.

It replaced an AR Ref 6 pre and AR Ref 3 phono

I’m also looking for a preamp in a similar price range (for me its under 10K preferably under 8k).

I’ve looked at LTA, Heron, mcintosh C22/c77, Luxman, Alnic( alnic’s stuff imo is not attractive at all) and Pass.

I’d prefer a tube pre but getting low enough gain and hum is an issue for my system (LaScala’s 105db ). this could be in issue with your speakers as well. one option it a transformer volume control. but you lose some flexibility and volume range control as its a stepped volume control, and probably no remote.

Heron wont sell to me being in Canada.

Right now i’m leaning towards a Luxman CL38 or McIntosh C22 ( C22 and C70 are the same just different face plates), both are full featured and do everything i’m looking for. but that said there are some stellar SS pre’s that are still in consideration.

I also considered Pass’s entry level pre but it just didn’t do better than my vintage Sansui ( Ca 2000 fully restored) other than having a remote. So the hunt is still on.

note; i need a remote, 2 sets of outputs, lower gain to have usable volume range and a good phono stage would be nice but not a deal breaker. 

I’ll be following this thread to see what else gets recommended.

Hum should be non existent for and good tubed anything. Always max out your expenditures on a preamp. It is the real centerpiece and sets the tone of your system. Audio Research Reference +++ Really detailed, musical and natural. Built to last a lifetime. Contemporary Luxman are really highly regarded as well as Conrad Johnson, and VAC.

I have owned three VAC preamps over the past 15 years. For your requirements you could consider the VAC Renaissance 5. I used one with an Ayre VX5/20 Solid State power amp with excellent results using the 2 balanced inputs and balanced outputs.  They can be acquired used in your stated price preference.