Whats the best modern Preamp with Loudness butto

McIntosh? Black, but not slim.

The Mcintosh C22 reissue or original. Being tube it is not that low profile but what tube premp is.

I love the C-22 my pal just got one, but it will not fit in my rack. I am currently using a Tandberg 3008a which is very nice ! thanks!

have a look at the ATC SCA-2

Weiserb: You could pick up a used TDS Passive Audioplile for approx. $200 and install it in the tape loop of any tube preamp (granted that it has one). Use the TDS for low level listening. This is what I have done in the past.

If you can swing $750 used get a Mac 712 the last entry level before current C15 (think 712 is better).Should be able to get it for half of $1500 list.Continuously variable loudness is even better than switch plus you get bass,treble, and very flexible in's and out's an remote.Like many of us out there I go through HiFi gear like Liz Taylor does husbands and all I can tell you in terms of musicality,egonomics,looks and feel this was about the hardest piece ever to give up.

Get a Peavey Cosmos and it will solve all your bass problems at any level and give you a great soundstage at the same time - it is only two inches high and can be put between your preamp and amp in either rca or xlr in/out. Go to the Peavey website to find out more about it. A fun and great piece. Sells for 250-300. Many of my friends have added it to their systems and we have really high end stuff - I mean ridiculously priced stuff.