Pre-amp suggestions for MC 402 amp

Setting up a system and looking for suggestions for pre-amp to mate with a 402. Budget ~$5K. New, possibly used. Listen to blues, classic rock, Dead, jazz. Current speakers are polk lsi line, but was thinking possibly moving to vandersteens (Quatro?) in the future. New speakers may come later though, to give my apt. neighbors a break. Want something that will be with me for a while. Based on other forum questions, the following seem to be well regarded and within budget: c2200 (new), calypso (new), Bat 51SE (used), Audio Research ref 2 mk2 (used). I've demo'd the calypso and audio research ref 3 with vandersteens and liked the overall presentation (with quicksilver / AR amps). Must have home theater bypass capabilities. Don't use phono now, so that's not necessarily a requirement. Mainly CDs (new player next purchase). Any suggestions / comments appreciated. Thanks