Best Balanced Solid State/Tube Preamps

Tvad, why did you just sell your Modwright? It looked like a sweet set up in which you put some extra thought and money with the black gates and all. What did you find to work better?

To Kmiller5, why not an Ayre preamp? They are consistently held in high regard. If you search this forum you will find no lack of recommedations for either tube or SS balanced preamps such as Aesthetix, BAT, PASS, Sonic Frontiers, and others.

I own the Aesthetix Janus, which I love, but I've heard they have issues when used with Ayre amps, FWIW.

Yes, I meant tube OR solid state. I love the Modwright unit, but I don't think I am getting anywhere close to the full potential of the Ayre V-5Xe amp using the single ended connections. Hence, I want a balanced preamp. Ayre is certainly on the short list. I just wanted to hear other suggestions before I go audition.

Currently, I am using an Arcam AV8 pre/pro and I have to believe that I am losing a great deal not having a dedicated preamp. Let me know if you think otherwise.

The Ayre K-1XE seems like the natural selection to go with the Ayre amp you have.