Pre-AMP for Audio Research D-300 AMP

I have a used ARC D200 amp that I've paired with a Sonic Frontiers Line 1 (tube) preamp. My speakers are an old pair of KEF 104/2's, and I use Kimber PBJ w/ XLRs between the amp/preamp and DH Labs T-14 to the speakers. My front end, which I hope to replace in the not-too-distant, is an old Sony consumer CD player. I enjoy the almost sneery response I get from audio boutique salesmen when I tell them that. When I bought the amp (used), I tried out a Proceed Amp2 and Classe Ten at the same time. I was surprised at how much I didn't like the Amp2- I thought it had an almost tizzy and overly bright sound. I ended up with the ARC b/c I thought it had the most neutral and punchy sound. I like the Line 1 b/c it also has a very neutral to slightly warm sound. It has lots of flexibility in terms of inputs/outputs (4 SE, 2 Bal inputs; 2 ea SE/Bal outputs; tape loop; external SSP bypass input). Eventually, I'd like to incorporate home theater into my setup, and I think the straight-through SSP input, which bypasses the preamp volume control will be handy for that. I also have really enjoyed the built-in Headroom headphone amp. I've had the Line 1 for a little over a year and have replaced 1 pr. of tubes under warranty. I also checked out the ARC LS-9 but decided on the Line 1 for the features as much as anything. Hope this helps. YMMV.

I would go with a Audio Reasearch tube amp.Any of the old SP series would be a good choice.And one can be had very resonable.

So i listened to a Bryston pre-amp and a McIntosh TUBE pre-amp. But the test was off a Bryton amp, not an Audio research amp. don't know if that would make a ton of differences. I found the tube bettter in some pieces but the Bryston better in others. tough choice......Now, 89vett has me thinking on keeping it in the family with an AR tube amp. any major difference if i went with a mac instead ? PS: that 20 year warranty from bryston is SO tempting.

So i listened to a Bryston pre-amp and a McIntosh TUBE pre-amp. But the test was off a Bryton amp, not an Audio research amp. don't know if that would make a ton of differences. I found the tube bettter in some pieces but the Bryston better in others. tough choice......Now, 89vett has me thinking on keeping it in the family with an AR tube amp. any major difference if i went with a mac instead ? PS: that 20 year warranty from bryston is SO tempting.

There is an Audio Research SP 14 for sale today on Audiogon Perfect match ($995)

I have to agree with 89vet, either the SP-10 all tube or the SP-11 tube and solid state combination will work very well. My preference would be the SP-10, a VERY nice piece.