Solid State Preamp Under $8000

Tdimier— do you own the Luxman? If so how did you choose it?

68pete:  I would love a C-02x but my post is partially out of my failure to be able to find a C-02 (not even a C-02x) for under 10k.  One sold here recently that was reduced to 10k and sold quickly. 

KARL-- good call   In my price range and is the type of unit I am looking for.  Funny I considered buying  an XP-20 years ago but a dealer had the C=03 that was so luxurious, I bought it instead..  

Thanks Karl.  I can do a two box unit but an XP-30 or 32 when it arrives would not be possible.

Auxinput:  TBH, I have never heard a Krell preamp. What you say makes sense, I just have no experience with them.

Actually, I think the Pass preamps that I have heard have less of the FET effect than the Pass amps.  I prefer bipolar transistor amps for that reason.

Thanks for the truly helpful and interesting responses:  Here are mine.

Joecasey:  In my experience starting about ten years ago, I have preferred to have one solid state preamp or phono preamp and one tube preamp or phono preamp, but not two of one kind.  To my ears, it provides the best balance of sound without leaning one way or another.  Since my phono pre is the Audio Research, I thought replacing my solid state preamp was the right way to go.  On the other hand, because the sound of tube and solid state equipment has become more alike, my view could be outdated.

Soix:  Thought about the advantages of CAST, but I connect my preamp to the power amp with a 16 foot interconnect. Not sure what a CAST that long will cost, but I suspect plenty. Will ping Krell today.

RSF507:  I have read the reviews of the Merrill Christine.  It sounds very close to what I want.  Plus the unit for sale is not that far from where I live.  Seriously considering it and the XP-22 both of which can be had for under mid $6000's..   

MR Decibel:  I have no experience or knowledge about passive units.  I have enough to consider already and thanks for your response.

Soix— you rock.  Thx

Update:  Soix:  I called Krell and I can get a 16 foot CAST IC for 1950, which opens up that avenue.There is an EVO 202 preamp up for sale--any thoughts?

Karl:  I am bringing home an XP-22 next week for audition.

 RSF507: I remain interested in the Merrill.  Thanks again.

There is going on simultaneous to this thread, I high end preamp thread.  One that is mentioned is an EMM Pre-2.  Have never heard it though.  There is a lot of support for the Ayre KXR preamp in that thread, but when I have heard it I found it too dry for my taste.

I thought that this thread was very helpful to me, so I am writing a post script. I ended up purchasing the Merrill Christine preamp used.  Before  I purchased it from a very nice seller, I had the opportunity at a kindly dealer I work with to compare it in an all Audio Research system to a Ref 6 preamp.  In that system, I much preferred the tonality and spatial characteristics of the Christine.  For me, it may have been a case of too many  tubes with the Ref 6 and a tube phono preamp and amp.  I then got the Christine home and borrowed a Pass Xp-22 from another dealer and compared the two in my system.  The differences were not huge, but I preferred the Christine over the Pass unit in my system because the Merrill sounded more real and neutral to me (as in a touch less bright) but once again seemed so transparent with great imaging.  The Pass shaded the Merrill in dynamics, and it might be slightly more extended in the low end. The Pass is also more flexible with analogue and balanced inputs (Merrill is all balanced). Both are superb in my view, but you have to hear the Merrill to understand its excellence.  I would think you would have to spend a great deal more than this price level to get better sound.