Pre-AMP to Match a KRELL KSA-250s

"...I am considering a AR LS-26 or less expensive AYRE K-3 or K-1 but don’t want to lose any punchy bass"

The best bass belongs to Jouole-Elctra LA-150 preamplifier. Go to their web site and read Harry Pearson review.
Plus - long life tubes : 5-10 years.

Most interesting: at CES 2009, they deputed $15k flagship LA-300ME but a few weeks ago they introduced LA-150 Signature which has a lot of LA-300 technology but only about three times cheaper. Propably the best performance/value preamplifier today.

Disclaimer: I got recently LA-300ME and I think its the best in the world preamp - do search for owners review - and I owned and/or auditioned CAT, BAT (REX), ARC (Ref3) etc

All The Best
Rafael

FYI-
A direct quote from page 3 in the KSA-150/250 owners manual.
http://www.krellonline.com/archive_pdfs/KSA150-250/KSA150250_MAN.pdf

"Krell is committed to balanced operation in all products. Balanced systems have
long been standard in professional audio applications and the same advantages
apply to home audio equipment. There is a 6dB increase in gain without an
increase in noise and there is a decrease in overall system noise caused by stray
AC and RF fields. Sonic performance is drastically improved, particularly in
dynamic and soundstage presentation."

That being said, my two most favorite pre's with these amps where the KSP-7b (sorry I sold it) and the KBL but neither fit your criteria as they did not have remote. The next best and similar performer was the KRC-3....ahh, with remote now.

The old Audio Research LS2 was a fantastic match with the KSA250 - tube sound with solid state balanced drive!
I heard this system several times with Sonus Faber Extremas and it sounded much better than it should!

Ozzy, Samzx12, Bryhifi
Thanks to you all, may be my balance XLR cable are not fully balance, let me check with my vendor. I will install my KBL with XLR balance again. Or may be the cable are not break in yet..

HEY THANKS FOR ALL THE SUGGESTIONS!!
More and more PRE amplifiers are becoming part of my decision. What about a BAT 31?

Microstrip, I like the LS2 idea and used to own that and a ls7. Heriman, I can attest to what Bryhidi is saying about page 3 on the manual as though I have the original manual right here. Everyone makes a mistake here and there. Dob, the Jouole-Elctra LA-150 is going to have to enter my list of pre-amps to research.

3 Questions:

1. What do you all think of my Meridian 506 20Bit, Should I change this player before the pre-amp? It's resolution is good but seems a bit bright on sounds like cymbal crashes.

2. I am leaning towards trying to stay solid state and Brand specific. I was about to buy a krell KRC-HR but then figured I should try to save for the KCT. Would I hear much difference between the two?

3. What about the Levinson 380s?

I am selling my B&W CDM's 2xpairs for a set of 802's.
The CDM 7 are listed here, If anyone of you are interested I can give u a special deal..

Answer any of these questions if you have time...

Thanks for your help
Jess