McIntosh C100, Ayre K1 or Mark Levinson 380/380S?

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.

I have a K1xe for a few years now (updated from a K1), and it's bullet proof and fabulous.

Kurt's made some great fundamental points. FYI if remote control becomes a must have, I'd like to point out that the Ayre's remote is, I believe, a gear driven motor turning attenuators, maintaining the purity of one of the most important components within any preamplifier.

How bout another fly in the ointment? This is a little known brand built personally by the designer. Don't be frightened by the obscurity of its popularity. Many others and myself have owned his work for many years and his support is outstanding. Do a search over at AA, there is one post where this pre is compared with the K1 and a couple of other top tier pre's.

http://www.reflectionaudio.com/

Many thanks all for your thoughts and comments. I did eventually make a decision and, for better or worse, managed to get a very good deal on a McIntosh C200. So far I am pleased with my choice and it has certainly got me raiding my CD collection again!
Best regards

You made a great choice! The C200 is much better than the C100. I always felt the latter was veiled. The C200 is a world class music maker. I would like to have one myself!

Arthur