Suggestions on Balanced Pre-Amp for Claytons

Your right on the Shindo, RCA only. Good suggestion on the ARC, since I had forgotten about that one and it does get good reviews and can be had at decent price. The MBL and Gryphon are on the expensive side for a tube sound in SS package. I'm going to run 300's, which are very neutral with a tubish sound.

A Clayton Pre-amp could be a consideration, but it also could lend to a leaner, dry sound verses using a tube based preamplifier for some warmth and musicality. I've seen more references of Clayton amps being used with tubes for realistic music reproduction than a SS pre. I don't see alot of SS pre's getting musical recognition without coloration regularly except the MBL 6010D, Gryphon Mirage, or Krell Evolution Two and look at their price points. From a price performance ratio it will be interesting to hear how the Clayton sounds relative to it's price as compared to tube pre-amps. The recent review of the 200's in positive feedback used a Cary 05.

There is a review in Positive Feedback addressing the new 200's, which were considered an improvement. The 300's were recognized as part of a best room award at 2007 RMAF. 300's have larger power supply and bigger capacitors for even better resolution and dynamic detail.