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Recommended tube preamp with HT bypass?

Looking for advice on a new/used tube preamp with a bypass for about $2k. Current system is a McIntosh mc-202 amp, Canton Vento Ref 9 speakers, a VPI Classic with a Shelter 501, and a sonic frontiers SFP-1 sig phono preamp.

Vanity plays an equal part in my selection. I'd also like to add a little warmth to my system, but not overwhelming. And a remote is a must.

I've ruled out Audio Research (aesthetics), BAT (same) and Sonic Frontiers (too neutral). Here's what remains (in order of preference):

Conrad Johnson Premier 17ls
Primaluna Dialogue 3
Mac c2200
VAC Standard LE
Cary SLP-03
VTL 2.5
Mac c220
CJ pv-15
Cary SLP-2002
Aesthetix Calypso

I'm most intrigued by the Primaluna, but I'm open to hear opinions on any of these or others.
hoffer71
hoffer71 OP
8 posts
 
Thanks Ait. To be honest, I never heard of Supratek before. Did a little search - they seem highly regarded. Am I right that they went out of business in 2007?
ait
480 posts
 
They did but they are back now, with some new features in their preamps, like on the fly switching from transformer to cap coupling (pretty neat idea IMO). Here is their website:

http://www.supratek.biz/
bundy
127 posts
 
I have a Mac C2300 in my system and that would meet all your needs. Also has the nice blue meters!
hoffer71 OP
8 posts
 
I'd love to add the 2300. It's a little too pricey tho compared to what I'm looking at.
hoffer71 OP
8 posts
 
Looks like the c220 doesn't have an HT bypass, so I'm removing it from the list. Adding the Supratek Cortese for now.

That leaves me with the following:
Conrad Johnson Premier 17ls
Primaluna Dialogue 3
Mac c2200
VAC Standard LE
Cary SLP-03
VTL 2.5
Cary SLP-2002
Supratek Cortese

Any other comments/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks again,
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