Bullot, take a look at my review of the Audio Valve Eklipse here on the GON, it will give you details why I would recommend that you put it on your audition list. It retails for $4200.00, built in Germany and is a terrific linestage. I have auditioned both the Lamm and ARC and like the sonics of the Eklispe better then either of them.
Best preamp for my system.
I am looking to upgrade my preamp, and am looking for advice from experienced audio people. I am currently running an Emm Labs CD player into a Levinson 380S and then the Levinson 33H's and on to the Genesis 4 tower speakers. All signals running through Gabriel Gold Rapture IC's. What I like is a real lush sound, vocals being most important with respect to accuracy. Some preamps that I am considering are the ARC reference and Lamm Reference.......but am open to suggestions if a serious upgrade from my 380S can be had for less than those two expensive units.