Suggestions regarding preamplifier choice


I’ve been in this hobby for many years using myriad different and mid to high end components and have been generally lucky putting together equipment that worked well together. For the last 40 years I’ve mostly used panel speakers from Magnepan, acoustat and many different Martin Logan models. Recently, though, I bought a pair of Von Schweikert VR4 gen 3 HSE speakers which I think may be the most competent speakers I’ve ever owned. I still think that’s true but I also, for the second time, have a pair of old ML CLS2’s that I use with a pair of Velodyne Mini Vees and really love the sound maybe, the more laid back but still transparent and detailed sound.  I’m still trying to decide which pair to keep in the system which brings me to my question. I currently mostly stream music or use CDs using an Angstrom 200 preamp which I keep coming back to year after year and a Mark Levinson #27 amp. With either set of speakers. This setup sounds quite good but my next step gets a bit involved. I want to replace the preamp based on advice from several local audio hobbyists and I’m looking for suggestions based primarily on the described amp and speaker choices. Two example suggestions that they have are: Prima Luna with the VS’s or Bryston with the CLS’s. I think I understand the reasoning but am open to and asking for suggestions that won’t be cost prohibitive. Thanks
128x128broadstone
There are so many good preamps out there its a hard choice. you've got one tube pre and one SS pre so both are going to sound different.

 May I suggest you try a Schiit Audio Freya+ its $899usd made in USA, and gets fantastic review. Single ended, Balanced inputs outputs. Selectable tube buffer stage or SS buffer stage or passive. Remote. This would give you flexibility in using the preamp in both systems as it can do it all tube, SS and passive. its also got a fancy relay - resistor volume control system that's very good. 30day money back trial as well. 

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1

Worth checking out and from what I've read and experienced (I have a Gumby Multibit DAC and an Loki EQ from them) Schiit's gear its quite good and punches well above its price level would indicate. 

Glen 

I’ll probably try the Freya plus even though I’ve seen no exceptional reviews. Two of my well heeled friends are recommending Schiit models also and their experience is far superior to mine. 
Reading between the lines, it sounds like you really love the VSs and are making excuses to keep the MLs.  You know what to do. 

In terms of a preamp, what are you looking to improve upon and what aspects of sound reproduction are most important to you?
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