Another tube preamp "What should I buy" question.

@rowester Why not the Michi P5 Preamplifier? Do you want a tube pre for the tubes or to warm sound? Why not try no Preamplifier if your streamer has a pre?

Excluding the Q’s, I deeply miss using and holding a Leica but these older stigmatatic myopic eyes can’t nail focus. Here in the US (everywhere too) one of then w/ glass is the equivalent of two bodies and some lenses. So there’s that. Roos photo is me. I don’t miss film and for the way I shoot eye auto focus is a dream. I don’t use 95% of all the Sony bodies functions. Who does? 

Please feel free to fly me (wife too) over for more bombast and pretend deep audio knowledge. Love your country. 

Another whole hearted recommendation for Aric Audio and the Motherlode. If you are looking for a piece of gear that you hope to enjoy for 20 years and beyond, then a 4-6 month wait is a small period of time, relatively speaking. Your patience will be rewarded. I have owned Mac, Luxman, Pass Labs, and have auditioned many others, including the Don Sachs and Leben. My Motherlode is the longest I have ever owned a preamp for, and I expect its tenure to be long and exceptional. Aric's customer service and support is also a big reason for my endorsement.

Depending on budget, have a look at the VTL TL series of preamps. I have a TL-5.5 series 2 which has been in my system for about 8 years and have never regretted buying it ever. They drive a pair of Krell FPB 350Mcx amps which are connected in turn to a pair of Magicos S1. To me the system sounds amazing with all the definition, transparency, dynamics we all look for.

I used to have a Conrad Johnson Premier 17LS and an Aesthetix Calypso. They were good. The CJ was a little outdated and it did not have balanced inputs. The Aesthetix has a lot of features, but somehow the VTL sound appealed more to me.

Hope this helps but it unfortunately adds to your confusion!!!

Balanced Audio Technology Rex I, II, or 3 depending on budget.  Rex I and II can be found used.  

I recommend asking AI to compare all those that you'd consider.  Then try to listen to them.

Modwright LS99. This is the preamp I have and love it.