Sunday dreaming about preamps...

I went from a Ls-26 to a Ref5se and now have the LS28SE and am very pleased. I really feel that the LS28SE runs in the very same lane at the Ref5se. It also runs much cooler. I have a Mcintosh MC402 between it and my speakers. If you have been happy with the  ARC sound, I think you will be very happy with the newer ARC endeavors.

Thanks @theo! Everything by ARC seems so professionally done and especially lately, beautiful to look at. If I were just going on that, I would go with ARC no question. My one concern is that there is an absence of warmth, so I want to compare them on that score. In this case since they are local, I'll definitely have a chance to listen in person.

I own all ARC Reference components… I’ll just go with that as my vote.

Really depends on what improvements and sound characteristics you’re looking for. 

@ghdprentice I took a look at your system. You are on a different level!

It sort of depends on what kind of sound you are after and whether you are contemplating any other component changes, such as a different amp.  When you say preamp, do you mean something with a built in phono stage? What features do you require (e.g., remote control, balance control, mono, phase inversion, etc)?
 

@larryi good questions. In terms of what I am looking for, most important is a full sound. I am not aiming for analytical. I also will have a separate phono stage. Beyond that, I would love a remote and a volume control with much finer gradations than the sp16. I would want a mono switch. I have never thought about phase, so I have no idea how important that is. Something to figure out, I guess. 

Check out Zesto if you can.  Their Leto Ultra is an incredible preamp .

I find the ARC linestages to be on the leaner side.  It sounds like you are looking for something more in the Shindo, Audio Note side, but, with remote control.  I personally also think that remote control is a must.  I also think a balance control is a useful feature, although I don't require remote control of that feature.  While I don't think that the Atmasphere preamps are in the warm sounding camp, they are very good and should be considered in a high end system.  I also like the Backert linestages, which I've only heard in systems at audio shows (i.e., not in a familiar system), but, I did like the sounds of the show systems, and I like what I saw in terms of build and features.  Another interesting candidate is the Allnic L-3000 or whatever is their current model.  I have not heard the linestage, but, their other gear is quite good and I really like their approach to gear (the linestage is transformer coupled instead of capacitor coupled, I like that kind of sound).

@saulh 

Thank you. You have put together what looks to be a respectable carefully chosen synergistic system.

McCormack VRE-1 preamp!

For $10K I would build you whatever type of preamp you would like point-to-point wired, Audio Note Resistors and capacitors, V-Caps, chokes, etc., even direct Heated Triode if you prefer that also.

Happy Listening.  

Ref 40 here

The ls28se is an awesome and very dynamic unit. I love mine. It has a very tight and musical grip on my 4 amplifiers. Should be getting the upgraded remote soon.  I went from a ref 5 to this unit.

Larryi mentioned the Allnic L-3000.  I had a used L-3000MkII that I sold for a used L-7000SE that I sold for a new L-8000DHT.

There is a significant step up to the L-7000, you can get one used for around $ 7500.  It is a really nice product.  It checks the boxes, deep tight bass, airy holographic upper end.  Very low distortion.

@anzaanimalclinic Allnic definitely on the short list. Many great reviews

I think the Backert was mentioned earlier, and I’ll second that.  I love my Rhumba 1.3, and use it with a Pass XA30.8 power amp.  Great combination!