Which preamp? Audible Illusions Rogue Audio ARC


I am currently looking for a preamp to build up my system.
I've read many good reviews of the Audible Illusions M3A or L-1 , Rogue Audio magnum 99 and some Audio Research pre.
Budget on used equipment : approx $900 - $1400

Can any kind audiogon folks pls help advise on which pre-amp I should get? I think I might prefer a tube preamp.
Any new suggestions to compliment my setup are highly welcome.
Thank you all in advance!

Existing equipment:

Sony XA777ES CD Player
McCormack DNA 0.5 Rev. A
DIY Scan-speak speakers.
Mostly Cardas Cables.

Best Regards
tankaiyiap
It should be mentioned that the different tube preamps will have different flavors. The ARC being quite accurate with what I consider the perfect amount of tube sound, which is slight. You can go from there. There are some that will make the details less prevailant and the bass softer. These can have very lush and enticing mids though. If this is your first tube gear you may want to stay away from the shock of the very tubey pre's of which the ARC is not. I agree with the above poster that an ARC LS 15 would be a good fit. You're going to wish you'd tried one sooner, you'll hear why.
Thanks for the tips and info. ARC LS 15 seems to be quite popular in the used equipment market.
BTW, has anyone compared between LS15 to LS16?, or even the older LS2 preamp? I am justifying if it is worth considering the LS16 if I stretch my budget further..

Any comment would help.
Thanks!
Well, don't mean to sound like a broken record, but since you own a McCormack amp, I'd consider getting an Audible Illusions unit (M3A if you have phono, L-1 otherwise). Mates very well.
i just picked up a PSE HL-1 ( hybrid unit).

it is really, really nice. i would reccomend it if you can find one. it has a remote and is very well built.

also, i would really consider a arc ls2b mk2 over the 15. it is very, very dynamic and the bass is outstanding and only requires 1 tube (tube rolling can be $$$)

also, the BAT 3vki is a GREAT unit and great customer support.

if i wouldnthave found the pse i would have went with the bat or the arc ls-2bmkii with remote.

mike