McCormack DNA-1 Preamp


I'm hoping to get some advice in my search for a preamp to match my McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe. I'm looking for a pre with included phono that is "lively" (for lack of a better term) without being harsh and can be had for less than $1000 used. I've tried an AI Mod 3 which had great dimensionality but seemed sluggish and lacked some high frequency extension.

I haven't tried any solid state pres but have been researching the Musical Fidelity A3.2cr as a possible candidate. The rest of the system consists of a Njoe Tjoeb CD player, Music Hall MMF 7 and Totem Hawks for the speakers. Many thanks for any suggestions you have.
eslaudio
I personally think solid state preamps sounds the best with the McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe amp after trying a few tube preamps with it. The McCormack RLD-1 (active) and the TLC-1 (passive) should be high on your list.
The DNA-1 works really well with passives because of it's input sensitivity and gain. I was using a pair of the deluxe monoblocks with a TVC linestage with excellent results.

Oz
Thanks to both for your suggestions. I was looking at passive pres-particularly the Placette and Sonic Euphoria but the new prices are a bit out of my range and they rarely come up for sale used on Agon. If I go the passive linestage route I would also have to invest in a separate phono amp...