Pre-AMP to Match a KRELL KSA-250s


Hi,
I have been hunting for a pre-amp to match my Krell KSA 250. I am currently using a Meridian 506 CD player and B&W CDM-7se's. Have MIT XLR’s ready for a pre amp and am using Transparent Audio "the wall" in wall reference premium series speaker wire.

The CD player will be changed soon, probably to a Rega. I have a set of B&W 803's on the way.
Please help... I am considering a AR LS-26 or less expensive AYRE K-3 or K-1 but don’t want to lose any punchy bass. I need XLR inputs and out’s and a remote control. Age doesn’t matter. Dark sound is ok
Currently the Meridian is plugged directly into the KSA250 using Tara Labs RCA's. No volume control!!

YOUR OPINIONS WILL MATTER, THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
basque23
Not sure about the krc-2. My understanding was that the KCT and KRC-hr were far better
I tried Krell KSA 150 with different tubes preamps. I got the best result with Joule Electra preamp. I tried several middle level Audio Research tube preamps. Never liked the result. Joule Electra over-performed the by a considerable margin. 

Finally decided to try Krell own KBL.  A very obvious winner over all tube preamps. While missing some sweet spots on Joule Electric, the KBL brought my system to a new level especially in imaging area.