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
I have the L-1 and it mates very well with my McCormack DNA-125.

One thing you need to be aware of is that the McCormack amps are a little bit sensitive. Not a problem, they just are. So don't yell at them! Seriously, you want to look at pre's with lower gain or those that have gain controls like the L-1. (FYI - your front end output also figures into the mix, I think 2 volts output is considered average??)The Blue Circle mentioned above I think has 28db of gain, way too much for your amp. Not sure about the Rogue or Audio Research. FYI - The L-1 has alot of gain but since it has left and right gain controls it is not a problem.

I currently have an Eastern Electric Mini Max for demo (great pre!)and it has 20db of gain. I cannot go past 9:00 with the volume control. It does have a smooth volume control and not steps which helps so this is something else to look for. If looking at a pre with a stepped volume control, the more steps the better as it gives more "volume settings" than lesser steps.

Passives are also pre's to look at. Usually more detail, transparency and tonal accuracy but many say at the expense of dynamics and musicalness (word?). I had a passive but like you wanted tubes as I wanted the fullness and bloom of tubes. The passive sounded flat to me even though it was more transparent and detailed with better separation.

There are alot of good pre choices for matching with your amp. Relax and enjoy your search.

Regards,
Take a look at the new Belles 21A. I just picked up one, and I'm having a blast playing it. Initial thoughts: great dynamics, nice soundstage, no part of the freq range bloated or lean, tight bass, pretty transparent and fianlly, musical.

And then, it's fun to hear the affects of rolling two NOS 12au7s in and out of the preamp.
Hi all,

I just picked up an Audio Research LS-7 Hybrid preamp to try out. I think I got a good deal for one.
Still waiting for it to ship to me. I am only worry that the preamp might have a problem with too much gain with my setup.

Anyway, is anyone familar with the modification done by Great Northern Sound Co.? I heard that they have good reputation with ARC modification.
Also, I would appreciate if anyone would like to share their experiences with me on the LS7 preamp?

Once again, many thanks to fellow audiogoners who had brought me advises.