Preamps for $300 to match with B&K st-140?

Would Audioquest Diamondbacks be ok with that combo? What cables do you suggest between them? Any other pre suggestions? A few people on other forums have suggested the bottlehead pre, anyone have any opinions on that piece? Thanks for all the help folks. With any luck the amp will arrive tomorrow.

I'm not familiar with the diamondbacks. I would suggest avoididng interconnects that are very high in capacitance if you use a pre-amp with a high out-put impedance into the B&K ST-140. Of course the length of the interconnect will have to be factored in.

I got the amp today and posted about it. I hooked it up to my integrated as a pre. The diamondbacks sounded awful. Im now using Synergistic Research Alphas between amp and pre. Im looking for a nice cheap neutral to mellow pre. I have my eye on a NAKAMICHI ca5a2 pre. I want a little more bass and clarity. Any other cheap suggestions?

How about an Adcom 565 preamp. These sell for between $200.00 and $300.00 used.Known for it's neutrality..it will probably do the trick.

The truth of the matter is there are very limited choices in decent inexpensive pre-amps. The B&K pro MC 10 seems to satisfy all your requirements and would probably be the safest recommendation with regards to compatability. Please keep in mind that a new/different pre-amp may work differently with other interconnects. My expereince with B&K with regard to customer service always been very positive. B&K is a well established firm that should the need arise, will probably be there.