What to look for when buying a preamplifier?

[poppachubby]

I am running a Kenwood Basic C1 and for the most part, I love it. The phono stage is fantastic, quiet and neutral. It really allows the cartridge to shine.

I haven't been pleased with the CD/AUX input. I haven't tried my new Yamaha CDP, but everything else I've plugged into it has been a little bright for my taste. CD's are unimportant to me, therefore I'm not worried. Secondly, it will soon be feeding to a Golden Tube, which should warm things up.

Aside from this, I've typically owned integrateds, and have little experience with pre's. I'm hoping the C1 will pair nicely with my new tube amp, if not, I may be referencing this thread soon...

[hifitommy]

the LINE stage. it is so open and wideband and uncollored that its a revelation after the adcom. poppa, i really suggest looking for an sp9, or sp6c, or even one of ARCs lin stages. they are THAT good.