Looking for a low gain solid state preamp with balanced in/out

Hello all,
I am thinking about setting up a second system and want to build it around a quality balanced capable solid state preamp with low gain. My first thought goes to the ARC LS9, are there other preamps of the same caliber and price range that I should be considering? My tastes in musical presentation lean toward layed back. My main system is an STI500 integrated. The second system will be for smaller 2 way speakers and lower powered amp. I have a 125 watt Cary class d amp I might use or might sell. Its all up in the air right now. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Jeff