Opinions on preamps

I would suggest the Opal. I have found this preamp to be a very quiet, excellent performer.It's build quality is topnotch and it's soundstage is very robust and lifelike. Although it's a tube preamp, it is not overly rich or warm sounding.I use it with SS mono-blocks, but it would be just at home with your VAC.Based on your comments about isolation and a dedicated room, I think you would be very pleased with the Opal's presentation, finesse,frequency response, clarity,top to bottom extension and it's ability to produce low frequency tones with definition & body.(You should hear an acoustic bass in a jazz trio!!)

Ken

What are you looking to accomplish with the change out? That would be a good thing to know.

I'm currently using an Audio Valve Eklipse. Audio Valve is a German company and doesn't do much promotion here in the States (imported by Victor Goldstein's Fanfare), but this preamp is fantastic -- some serious audiophiles (reviewers and manufacturers) are huge fans and owners. The transparency and dynamics are stupendous -- in fact, I sat in my listening room this evening with a leading speaker designer and we were wowed. There is a matching issue -- some amps don't work well with the Eklipse, with the result that you hear upper midrange glare -- but if you get a good match, you'll be amazed. Good luck.

Gregm - I am not a big fan of the klyne line stage. I compared the cat W/Phono to the klyne with SFL2 and found the Klyne SFL2 far superior.

Czbbcl - I have owned and tried various CJ amps and preamps. They are not my cup of tea (very nice but too thick, opaque, not a clear enough window). However, I haven't heard their newest lines.

Kana813 - I have tried various amps. The VAC is a 65 watt powerhouse and is one of the most stunning pieces I have ever owned. When I compared the SFL2 to a first class passive, I heard how electronic and grungy the SFL2 really was. However, the passive did not have enough gain or dynamics. I am very happy with my Klyne.

Celery - Although the system sounds super, I am looking for greater purity, transparency and realism. I know that my VAC is on a different level than the SFL2.

Thanks everyone for your input

I've heard the Hovland - nice, but too noisy. The Sira is very nice, but getting a bit pricey (IMO). I haven't heard the Opal, but would keep it on the short list based upon build quality and positive reviews.
Have you considered a Fi, or Audio Note linestage?? They are both very musical. I own the Fi full-function pre and compared it to both the Sira and Hovland before purchasing. A friend owns the AN M-2 pre and I have borrowed it on occasion - very nice and the one I would own if I hadn't already invested in the Fi.

Good Luck!