Integrated amp for my Sonus Faber Guarneri

How about a Balanced Audio Technol VK32SE tube preamp?
About the same price as the McIntosh C2200, said to be in excellent condition.

D.i.l.e--- I have heard most of the BAT preamps, including the 32SE. I think that the 32SE would be a much better match to the GH's than the C2200. YMMV.
Audition with your amp first if possible.

The Mac 2200 is a fine tube pre, I owned one for years, and but I have a feeling the BAT might be the best in your case. Sounds like you have a shot at one. Another rec would be something in the CJ line. I'm using one of their ART's now with the GH. Of course, demo if you can.

FWIW, i also concur with Daveyf and Onemug about the positives of BAT. you might find it more precise and transparent-sounding imho than Mc while still delivering the beauty of tubes. Both are good options though and system matching (to your ear) are critical here. let us know how it goes! good luck and enjoy,

Daveyf, Onemug, Lloydelee21, anyone else...What are the basic sonic differences (and any other that might be important) between BAT and Mc preamps?

I should be able to try the C2200 soon, but not the BAT. A BAT, CJ ART, Gryphon or most of these mentioned would have to be bought blindly by international mail, which I'm hesitant to do, but unless it is on the bright or harsh side, it will probably be livable for a while I suppose.

I was thinking, since I already have one Mc, albeit just an integrated, which works really well with my other speakers and I intend to keep, it might be nice to have an alternative sound.

I found a Mark Levinson LNP-2L locally, but haven't had a listen yet. It's a bit over what I was planning to spend on a pre, and SS rather than tubes, but some people are telling me its to die for. I don't generally like the Levinson stuff I've heard, feeling it all a bit dry, but people say this one is special an unlike their new stuff.

I'm hoping not to go beyond about US$5K for a used preamp, a budget that both the BAT vk32Kse and McIntosh C2200 I'm looking at fall well within.