Pre amp recommendations for BAT VK500, besides BAT

Need some advice, Just acquired a Bat VK500(w Batpak)but now it seems it is not a good match with my Cary slp-03, so it might be time to upgrade. My speakers are Snell type AIII, front end is a Ah Tjoeb. to me something is not quite right and I think it's the Cary as I have researched and found some not so great remarks on it. Thoughts please,Thanks in advance