i don’t know the px of the mac preamps that you’re looking at but the Luxman C-900u preamp has tone controls and will be something you’ll own a very long time. they can be had in the 8-9k range if you’re patient(list 15k). i believe and as do many others that you will find it incomparable.
Who has a McIntosh C70 anniversary preamp? Thoughts?
I'm thinking of selling my BHK pre. The C70 intrigues me plus it has tone controls (I like to boost bass a bit at low listening levels). I'm also looking for a little more "tubey" sound. Yes, I can roll tubes on the BHK...its just the C70 seems to have everything I want in a pre.