Which preamp?

I currently have a Cary SLP-05 with NOS tubes. I run Clayton M-300 amps (Class A SS). I listened to a K&K compared to my Cary and liked the K&K did. I'm now thinking of what else should I really consider. I would like to hear what all your thoughts are as I'm not in the audio capital of the country.

Here is what I've come up with:

Lamm
VAC Renaissance
Atma-sphere
Juicy Music
Conrad Johnson

I've read that the Juicy stuff is really amazing. I think often that there is a fear that something less expensive cannot sound as good as something MUCH more expensive. For me, I'm about the sound, not all about the looks...

Please don't hold back!

TIA