Best Tube PreAmp - McIntosh vs. Audio Research vs. VAC vs. Atma-Sphere

VAC preamps keep the 6922 tubes on when using Cinema Bypass.  It also outputs a balanced signal.  I'm using my Master line stage with a Theta Casablanca IVa pre/pro which works well.  

Old post but u said u want to spend 5-8k and u mentioned ARC Ref 6.  6SE   And Ref 40 ???? I don’t think u know what ur talking about. Those amps are 2/3 x more than u want to spend 

First of all, I’ll be buying them used. Secondly, I’m flexible on the budget.
 

I initially started with $2-3k.After experiencing buyers remorse with some the selections made in the past, years of research, etc. I’ve now stretched my budget to $10-12k. 😀😀 I don’t think I can go beyond that, but you never know. 😀

I’m in a very similar situation.

I recently did some system upgrades as my 5.1 channel system was the better part of 20 years old. My Anthem PrePro was outdated and acting strange. So…..what I currently have and am looking for some advice to move forward to continue upgrading my system.

Currently running a 7.2

 

B&W 803D4’s and HTM81D4 as LCR

My old B&W N805’s as surrounds on stands (they are terrific as Surrounds!)

B&W CM5s on stands as surround rears

1 Velodyne DD 10 (old but just recapped and new amp) will probably sell

1 Rhythemik E15HP2 sub

 

I also have 4 B&W AM-1s I’d like to install as Atmos to bring me to a 7.2.4 for Home Theater

 

System is in our Livingroom (28x19x10) and I’d say we are 60/40 HT to music

 

I recently bought a Marantz SR8015 and have a PassLabs X5 (125 watts per channel all channels driven, 25watts pure Class A) driving the main 5 speakers - AVR driving just the Surround Rears and will drive the Atmos. I am happy with how Home Theater sounds but want to improve 2 channel music

 

I have a Eversolo DMP A6 Streaming DAC - it was inexpensive and ok for now- but will ultimately might need better but am very surprised how good it sounds.

 

I am interested in what’s next for the best noticeable improvement

 

Leaning strongly towards a Tube Preamp with HT Bypass? (Backert Rhythem or, wish I could afford a VAC Signature Mk2 SE)

Also heard about the Moon 791 which actually seems cost effective (my brother has the 390)? Not sure I like the idea of Streamer, DAC and Pre Amp all in one box, but 2 dealers have said how great the SimAudio is and questioned that as I do not have a dedicated Listening Room I probably couldn’t hear much difference ( my gut doesn’t agree with this). Another dealer strongly recommended the Classe Delta Pre and Amp … as they were made for B&W 800 series.

I listen to Jazz and Acoustic Rock mostly. Love how Female vocals and acoustic strings sound now and want that imaging to improve - hence my thought to add a tube Pre and a 2 channel amp.  Seriously close on buying a Pass Labs X250.8

thx - sorry if anyone thinks this is a thread hijacking, but felt my situation is similar enough that would contribute to this conversation .