Shopping for a preamp

@asp307 I have the LS36.5 and prior to that owned the SWL 9.0SE. I have listened to a ton of gear over the years and just find ModWright a great brand that competes with much higher priced manufactures. I mentioned the LS100 because it can be upgraded with a internal phono board. Besides being great sounding equipment the build quality is much higher than you would think; not sure how Dan does it for the price... casework and parts quality is very, very high. If you don't have a local dealer, Dan will send you a unit direct to audition. I have spoken with him on the phone several times, many emails and he is a great person to deal with and very honest. I appreciate he is a down to earth guy and not full of it.

@adg101 Thanks for the info. I like rocking out and my system is a lot of fun. I upgraded my outlets to Furutech GTX-D Rhodiums with dedicated lines. Although still breaking in the noise floor has dropped and dynamics have increased. I want to continue with this type of vibe however with a great 3D holographic preamp with phono. Currently I use an MI cart and would like to try MCs.

Several months back I auditioned a Rogue Ares and a Simaudio Moon 310LP (w/o external PS) and I preferred the solid state phono-pre instead of the tubes from a company that I already use with my integrated. I just felt it was too much tube. The SS balanced the tube integrated which was I using as a power amp.

A used Ayre K-5xeMP at around 2K should also be added to your short list.  I purchased one here on Agon and couldn't be happier.  

This is for the Audiophile who wants to have a amplifier, or preamplifier Exactly 
The way he wants. The 101D is a fantastic tube the best I know of for a preamplifier tube ,none more linear.
And Vacuum tube rectified by the great 274 dual triode rectifier tube.
Brazilian cherry or any base  you want. Khozmo remote precision attenuator.

This guy is one of the best in the field all hand built and tested.if serious he can build anything for $1,000 and up. He will be building one for me soon .
Myself being in the audio field for over 30 years wanted something a cut above 
The mass produced  and far better quality for less money's transformers and chokes from Hammond, to Lundahl check him out. This is based solely from my years as a Audiophile. Best of luck in your quest.

https://simplepleasuretubeamps.wordpress.com/

Ayre gear is cutting edge stuff.....also K1xemp with phono board should be in your search