Which pre-amp?


I finally think I have come as close as I've ever been to my dream set up - Ayre 7e cd player, Audio Research VS55 amp and Hyperion 938 speakers. Currently I'm using an older Audible Illusions Preamp so I'm looking to upgrade to a new preamp. My choices are The new Modright SWL 9.0, The Music First passive preamp or the Supratek Chardonay preamp. All are highly acclaimed and similarly priced. One of my main considerations is to have balanced in for the Ayre cd player which I understand makes a big difference. The only pre that offers this is the Music First though Mick at Supratek said who could customize a quazi balanced in. Any suggestions appreciated.
bluepeach
Which AI pre are you using?
Odds are, you won't be able to match the warmth and open sound for a reasonable price. You should demo gear to test it against. NOS tubes for the AI are a lot cheaper than a new pre.
How about an Ayre K-5X? It has two sets of balanced inputs. I have one for sale on Audiogon.

Rayd