Preamp suggestions, yes again


I know these types of topics come up very often but here's another.

I'm looking for a preamp for my system. I currently use an Onkyo TX-SR705 as a pre. I have Klipsch RP-600M bookshelf speakers fed by a diy First Watt Aleph J amp. 

I'm looking at the Odysey Candela and the Van Alstine Vision SLR to start. I'd like to stay around this price point or lower.

I do not need phono but a remote is a must have. Obviously I'm open to ss or tubes. Thoughts on the two in considering? Other suggestions? 
128x128markf31
Yes I am thinking the AVA non-tube "SLR" all solid state version to pair up with the Aleph. An all class A pre and power is appealing in general to me.

I had entertained the FET Valve but at an extra $800 over the SLR Im not sure I want to go there. A used FET Valve or maybe a used Rogue RP-1 then tubes might enter the consideration with a couple more options.  
I previously owned the FET Valve CFR. While it's a nice preamp in many respects and unmatched in terms of price/features, I prefer the Schiit Freya Plus for absolute sound quality. The Quicksilver headphone amp performs even better than the Schiit.

That said, of the initial two on your list, definitely go AVA. You'd probably have to wait no more than two weeks to receive the preamp and Frank is a saint in treatment of his customers compared to some other(s). 

Schiit isn't my favorite regarding customer service but they're certainly not terrible. For performance/dollar, the Freya+ is exceptional. Only caveat is if your system needs a balance control. 
@markf31
Not sure if you are aware, it’s a common practice to run a tube preamp in front of the PASS / Firstwatt amplifiers. If you’ve not seen or tried it, look up Korg NuTube on the firstwatt site http://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_diy_nutube_preamp.pdf

A few reviewers and owners of FW and DIY amps also demoing these flat tube preamps past few years. When I was doing research on the early version ".8" Pass amps a few years ago, was quite surprised to learn from Nelson directly how many owners were already using my own Cary 6SN7 tube based preamp in front of Pass SS amps. He shared he has a "lot of customers using my same tube preamp with his amps". If you are truly looking for suggestions...

Your RP-600M and former RP160M predecessor speakers still tend to be a little bright and forward with the TracTrix. A few buddies with them use tube DACs and tube preamps in second systems, and softer input driver tubes. Folks are doing recent crossover updates on them now to help tame the RP-600Ms some more. A nice tube preamp in front of your Aleph SS amp can truly be an enjoyable way to go, fwiw.

Or, the AVA Vision SLR preamp you are considering has the switch:
  • "High Filter - to tame excess brightness from low quality sources".

Best of luck on the preamp research and purchase.
Linear Tube Audio Micro ZOTL mz-2. I’ve paired it with a Pass XA-25 and it sounds wonderful. My Supratek Sauvignon is now sitting on a shelf. 
I upgraded from the Linear Tube Audio (LTA) MZ2 to the MZ3 and it was quite an improvement. Based upon recommended NOS tubes from Brent Jessee, the MZ3 provides tonality that really fits my requirements. The MZ3 drives either a tube LTA Ultralinear or upgraded solid-state SMc DNA-1.

Good luck on finding equipment that provides your tonality requirement!
If you can afford a bit more...

https://wyred4sound.com/products/pre-amps/stp-se

I absolutely love mine and I believe I'd have to spend a considerable amount more to get this sound (or lack thereof).

The exception may be the Benchmark LA4 Line at $2600.