Preamp to Pair with NAD M23

I have an M23 as well, very impressed with it.  So much so that I ordered the M66 to go with it, which would be a logical pairing of course.  That said, I’ve tried two other preamps with it.  A Primaluna (excellent combo) and an SPL Elektor (not so good combo).  The SPL is a great preamp, which sounds excellent with my Primaluna amps, but there’s a synergy mis-match I think with the NAD, it just sounds a little dull/muted.  If you can go tubes with the NAD, they go well together, at least the Primaluna in this case.  I did have a Benchmark LA4 a while back but not with the NAD, so I couldn’t say how they would do together, just have to try it out.  Given that they are both such neutral sounding components however, I would guess the end result would be a very neutral combo, perhaps good with some speakers but boring with others.  I also tried the NAD driven direct by my Weiss DAC, which like the benchmarks has a pro/studio heritage and is very neutral, and that sounds excellent.  I do prefer a preamp in the chain though.

Would really help to know what specific improvements and sound characteristics you’d like to achieve, otherwise you’re just gonna get random recommendations that are all over the place. 

Good point.  I am looking to keep the sound fairly neutral.  The Kefs are a little on the warm side which is what I prefer.  I am looking to potentially increase soundstage and transparency more at low to moderate volumes if possible.  Thanks.

The Benchmark may be a good candidate.  The other thing to consider is moving up the Bryston line.  Here’s a nice BP26 at a good price — it doesn’t have the phono section but you could either use the one in the 11b or get a better separate phono stage, which is what I’d do as it’s an important component.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb6ebf-bryston-bp-26-17-silver-mm-phono-excellent-solid-state

 I had a BP6 for years and it was the proverbial “straight wire with gain” component that produced a silent backdrop from which images just popped within an expansive 3D stage — it was a poster child for utter transparency.  James Tanner told me the BP6’s topology is near identical to the BP26 with the major difference being the 26’s balanced connections and separate power supply. I’d have to assume over the past 25-30 years Bryston has made some significant improvements so this might be worth considering if you just want more of what you already have. 

For my money, you want color to go with those amps.  Maybe time for a tube pre. :)