Thanks everyone for your comments. I have been leaning towards the Blue Circle and I'm still leaning in that direction. I have a Blue Circle CS integrated in my office and I've been very impressed with it. But I can already hear my wife's expression when she tries to figure out how to adjust the volume! Vikvilkhu, any concerns about the volume with the limited number of steps? What about low-level listening (late night, relaxing, etc)? It seems that at this price point there are many good options and I'm sorry that I can't personally demo them all.
Comparing 3 Tubed Preamps. Impressions?
I've narrowed my search for a preamp to the following 3: Audible illusions L2 (same as M3a sans phono stage), Blue Circle BC3, and the Herron VTSP-1A. I'm currently using a Pass Aleph amp (with a 47k input impedance so a tubed pre shouldn't be an issue). In time I might consider a same-family amp if the synergy is there. I can listen to the Herron, but not the other 2, so I'm looking for impressions from anyone who has compared them or any mix of them, or has any comments on any one single unit. I have experience with a passive pre and like the transparency and neutrality, but need more dynamics and bass punch. Much appreciated!