Need preamp recommendation

If you end up with a preamp with balanced outs, then that's what you should use. If not, RCA to 1/4" cables would work, but make sure it's the actual cable - don't just use RCA to 1/4" adapters.

Here's a few more preamp suggestions:
- Sonic Frontiers SFL-1 (there always seems to be one for sale here or one eBay). If you look around, you should be able to find one for a good deal less than $1000, and they're popular with the modding community if you want to upgrade without paying for a whole new preamp.
- Rogue Audio R99 Magnum (one is on eBay right now for $899) It's a great preamp, especially at that price. I'd probably pick it up myself if I weren't in a clamp-down mode budget-wise.
- Quicksilver Audio (any model) There are actually a couple of the full function models for $1000 here and on eBay, and you can usually find one of the line stages for $7-900. Good tube preamps.

Thanks, jazzerdave. Are you by any chance familiar with the Parasound P3? It has balanced outs and was recommended by a somewhat local high-end dealer. It's not tube, but I hear they sound good. Around $850 new. I'm not sure how it would stack up to that Rogue on eBay though.

I would probably snap up the Rogue, but I also haven't heard and Parasound products. I just haven't had the opportunity. From what I've read about them, Parasound seems to be a solid company.

I would recommend the Sonic Euphoria PLC that is for sale on Audiogon right now. I have owned two of these, after foolishly sellling my first one. This preamp has beat up on some much more expensive contenders. No other way to put it, other than it just sounds "right".

Shakey

Go with the Rogue, and not the Anthem. I have had both and there is no comparison. I was surprised (shocked) at the difference. The added bass was especially unexpected. A Rogue integrated amp is another option. The Goldenear's are pretty sensitive (91db).

Mark O'Brien at Rogue provides the best customer service in the industry. Currently, I am using an Athena and it's the best preamp that I have heard for my taste. I could not imagine not incorporating a Rogue tubes into any mix that I put together.