Thanks for all your responses. I think I'm taking the Aesthetix off the list after reading a few negative things about it (including reliability). I'm taking the Conrad Johnson PV-15 off as well as I think the premier 17LS is a better alternative.
Good to hear positive things about the VTL and the VAC. As for the remote on the VAC, volume is all I really care about.
Riley: Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm not so sure about adding the Belles 21a to the list. Hard to find much info on it.
Chadnliz: I thought about foregoing the bypass feature, but I think the preamps listed would likely stand up well against any tube preamp in my price range. I'm all ears, of course, if you think otherwise. And being able to turn off the preamp while listening to HT makes it even more desirable to me. So thanks DTC - the Cary SLP-05 might have just inched up on the list...
Anyone familiar with the Primaluna or the CJ 17LS?
Good to hear positive things about the VTL and the VAC. As for the remote on the VAC, volume is all I really care about.
Riley: Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm not so sure about adding the Belles 21a to the list. Hard to find much info on it.
Chadnliz: I thought about foregoing the bypass feature, but I think the preamps listed would likely stand up well against any tube preamp in my price range. I'm all ears, of course, if you think otherwise. And being able to turn off the preamp while listening to HT makes it even more desirable to me. So thanks DTC - the Cary SLP-05 might have just inched up on the list...
Anyone familiar with the Primaluna or the CJ 17LS?