If it is sound quality you seek and not gadgetry, and as it appears that used units are also on your list, a used LS-5 Mk. III is probably the equal of the LS-26 - some people prefer it to the Ref. 3.
The Sonic Frontiers is a very good unit and can be hotrodded and/or serviced by PartsConnexion, the company of SF founder Chris Johnson.
The Pass will be very quiet and will not have any of the impedance issues that the tube pres have.
The Rowland Synergy IIi should be on your list. Very quiet, resolving and musical, and like the Pass, solid-state - it has a 50 Ohm output impedance and can drive even professional equipment.
The VAC Renaissance Mk. I (not the very expensive "Signature" or "Signature Mk. II") is another pre to add to your list. It uses output transformers and thus can drive any amp or any interconnect. It features a triode circuit, is point-to-point wired, and has high parts quality - it's a great preamp.
The Sonic Frontiers is a very good unit and can be hotrodded and/or serviced by PartsConnexion, the company of SF founder Chris Johnson.
The Pass will be very quiet and will not have any of the impedance issues that the tube pres have.
The Rowland Synergy IIi should be on your list. Very quiet, resolving and musical, and like the Pass, solid-state - it has a 50 Ohm output impedance and can drive even professional equipment.
The VAC Renaissance Mk. I (not the very expensive "Signature" or "Signature Mk. II") is another pre to add to your list. It uses output transformers and thus can drive any amp or any interconnect. It features a triode circuit, is point-to-point wired, and has high parts quality - it's a great preamp.