PREAMPLIFIER UPGRADE QUESTION

I should also clarify a couple of things: I eliminated the BAT VK-80 because it was $10,000 and my budget was around $7,500 or less, though my friend Patrick did buy it and is in love with it

Ask for discounts (I would have been able to get 15% or so discounts on the BAT and Backert Labs by comparing dealers...and just asking)

The Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp is sold by Spatial Audio. Hand made and point to point wired, using only the highest quality components available

The Aric Audio gear is customizable, my Motherlode XL has NOS tubes, Khozmo remote, and upgraded caps on mine....some of which are now standard on all Motherlode XLs. Aric's gear is also point to point wired, not a single circuit board anywhere, and using the very best components available.

If you want a wide open sound, Ayre uses ZERO feedback, fully balanced and can be found for very reasonable prices used. I started with a KX-5 Twenty used and liked it so much I upgraded to a KX-R Twenty used. Their products are so well designed that they are top notch for 20-30 years while others "catch up." Happy listening!

You’ve got great speakers. But without question you need a tube preamplifier!

I am a beleaver in a tube preamp and ss amps. None of your choices would be on my list because I like everything to match (I am weird like that). Good luck with your decision!

Most posts here recomend the device they own and listen at home. That's a good thing because they love what they heare. Ultimately, that is also your goal.
My recomendation for you: Ask your Conrad Johnson dealer for a demo or better if he could lend you a ET6SE for a month or so. I bet you will refuse to return the device. All combination tube preamp combined with a solid state amp I've heard did sounded exeptionell. Allways better than cominations like tube/tube or solid state/solid sate.