My suggestion is to narrow down what you really want in a preamp, and what you don't need. This will help you decide which preamp is right for you
For instance, which of these features do you really want:
A. Remote Control (This is a must for some people, like me, but to others, they feel it can affect the sonics of the unit. Certain manufacuturers deal with the sonic impact in different ways.)
B. Phono Stage (If you don't run an analog source, or if you already have a separate phono preamp, you don't need it. But if you planning on getting one in the future, it is nice to have it available.)
C. Balanced or Single ended inputs and outputs
D. Number of inputs (Just a few or lots of inputs)
E. Tube or Solid State (i.e. Do you wish to make the music warmer, or get more detail, or a combination of the two? Do you like tube rolling, or hate tube rushing? There are many factors in choosing between the two.)
F. Aesthetics (This is not so much a feature, as it is a question of whether the unit will "fit" with the rest of your system. This not a necessary requirement obviously, but it just might tip the scales between two units that have both met all your requirements otherwise.)
My two cents worth.
