I currently use the M2.1s with my Ayre K-1XE preamp, which has a remote, (as well as a phono stage, should you need one.) It is a solid state preamp, and I like it a great deal. Very musical, neutral and detailed. It is also dead quiet, which is a quality I highly prize. (I use the Revel Studios, if that matters to you.)
My friend uses the ARC Ref. 3, which also has a remote, (although no phono stage.) It is also very musical, and detailed. It is not as neutral or as quiet, as it is a tube preamp. (However, being a tube preamp means it has its own charm, as it has a slight warmth to the mid-range that mine does not.) It does a a bit of tube rushing noise, but so does most tube equipment. (I do not like tube rushing, which is why I got of my tube preamps and went solid state.) FYI, he uses the Avalon Eidolons. Great speakers with the Lamms, btw.
I like my friend's system a lot, so I would highly recommend the ARC, should you prefer tubes over solid state. (The ARC Ref. 2 sounded very similar to the Ref. 3, (as per my friends opinion), if you can't quite afford the Ref. 3.)
Good Luck in your search.
My friend uses the ARC Ref. 3, which also has a remote, (although no phono stage.) It is also very musical, and detailed. It is not as neutral or as quiet, as it is a tube preamp. (However, being a tube preamp means it has its own charm, as it has a slight warmth to the mid-range that mine does not.) It does a a bit of tube rushing noise, but so does most tube equipment. (I do not like tube rushing, which is why I got of my tube preamps and went solid state.) FYI, he uses the Avalon Eidolons. Great speakers with the Lamms, btw.
I like my friend's system a lot, so I would highly recommend the ARC, should you prefer tubes over solid state. (The ARC Ref. 2 sounded very similar to the Ref. 3, (as per my friends opinion), if you can't quite afford the Ref. 3.)
Good Luck in your search.