6SN7 based Pre-Amplifier

Try the Atma-Sphere MP-3. It's a killer.

Got a Cary SLP98P in Feb 08. then got a CaryV12R amp 2 weeks later. Sounds fantastic. I may go for a pair of Gallo 3.1's to replace Krause Cinema Extremes. Anyone ever heard these?

I can't do a comparison with your other candidates but I'm extremely pleased with the AES AE-3 DJH Signature preamp I'm using now. It's got a small footprint that might help in the setup you describe and is incredibly well built with all point-top-point wiring and tube rectification. As one of the reviews of it said, "We will go out on a limb and say this: The AE-3 DJH competes with cost-no-object preamps from ANY manufacturer."

Yu11375 you must be referring to the MC2A3 currently available on Ebay...it does look interesting.
I am in the Bay Area, maybe one of us should take a chance then trade.

Problem with Ming Da based on my ownership of the MC7R is that they know how to build stuff but they dont know how to voice them.

Cary SLP98P... I had it for 3 months or so driving my then NPM Basic and VAC Phi 70 monos. I was overly optimistic enough to think that the Cary can hang with my friend's MFA lumi (wrong!). With the right tubes it does pretty well but it tends to sound a bit am-radio-like when playing complex passages. it was slightly bettered by my (then) SP10II.

I dont think anything can come close to your SA11.

BTW I use an NP220PG, loving it.

Allow me to keep ranting... just by looking at the picture of the inside of the Ming Da MC2A3 I'm already thinking it could use much better high voltage bypass, better coupling caps, and hexfred bridges.

Have you also considered the Melody 1688 Signature?
I know Taurus @ Fremont (or was it Newark?) has them.