Help with upgrading Pre Amp

@milpai  Yes I can understand your reservations & I was very surprised. The STP-SE Stage 2 is more open & detailed. In comparison the XP-20 sounded a little compressed.
I'm currently using the STP-SE Stage 2 with four Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R mono blocks.

Tube Pre-Amp: Vincent SA-T8, (upgade the crappy supplied tubes). Lovely, airy, wide, deep soundstage, has musicality in spades. Fully balanced. Best tube Pre. I've heard for anywhere near the money.

Solid State: Vincent SA-94. Fully balanced. Can't believe a Solid State Pre. has this much musicallity at this price.

@infection,
It is hard to believe that the STP-SE Stage 2 beats Pass XP-20, especially considering the price difference and the Pass reputation. I am not denying your experience; just very curious and can't believe it, considering the Pass brand. What is the rest of your system?

Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE Stage 2 pre is incredible. I used to have a Pass XP-20 & the STP-SE Stage 2 is way better.

Can anyone tell me is the much difference in the Audio Research LS 26
and LS 27? Sound ......etc?

I second the RP-5. Very versatile. Tape/eq loop, phone than can be switched to a regular input, mono switch. Every function can be controlled with remote control. I plan on upgrading tubes next year, but stock JJ's sound fine. A Rogue rep told me that the RP-1 is 85% of the RP-5 and a bit cheaper. 

Thanks great response considers AR LS 27 Great reviews.
I was using a Harmon Kardon Citation A 1963 decided to sell because of it age small things seam to alway go wrong with it and Richard is very busy thees days. The Infinity is built like a tank and a fine pre amp but after seven years its time to up grade.

I will research the Rogue RP-5 and Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme today and get back with you. Thanks or the great advice!!!

..... things for the most part are back the normal in NO
Decided to move to Metairie La just a minute away.... New Orleans is getting a bit expensive not the same town i grew up in
 
Regards Larry

those are all good pre-amps

a used Audio Research might be a possibility too - it will be more neutral that a CJ (phat sound) but still have that tubey liquidity with some warmth

...sounds like you are in NoLa? consider a move to the Esplanade ridge or next to the Chef, or build a house on stilts - things are getting worse...

I purchased a Rogue RP-5 a little over a year ago and am totally happy with it.  It has plenty of flexibility, remote control and tubes.  It is dead quiet and has gotten great reviews.  At 3500 retail, it is a great buy and it is built well and quite elegant.

HI Larry - Take a look at the Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme.  It is an amazing pre with tubes ( long tube life), a green power supply, XLR and RCA ins and outs, the most clever home theater by-pass ever, and WONDERFUL tonality and presentation of space that you won't find in preamps cost 3-4 times as much.