Preamp for Upgraded McCormack DNA-225

Actually, you are right about the RLD. I forgot about the strictly RCAs.

As for the BAT, that would be a good choice too based on my limited experience. It is very well made and has a nice character that should work well with most amps.

The LS-5 though is just magical in some ways. Almost everyone who's heard it seems to agree that it just completes an audio system like few other preamps. It should work great with the McCormack.

Again though, I would talk to Steve McCormack and Steve Huntley for further info. Those are guys with credentials that won't steer you wrong. I've been in the hobby forever and gone to almost all the major shows over the past 4 years, but still don't have a fraction of the actual experience of those guys. I suspect most people on the message boards fall under that same category.

I did a bit of cursory research on the LS-5. Why would a pre with that kind of original price tag come with what appears to be a regular, fixed power cord?

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David,
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If you are willing to live with RCA ins and Balanced outs, consider Supratek.
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I will give you a call on Friday or Monday at work or let me know when to call you at home over this long weekend.
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Rgds, Larry

Would you consider a SOTA passive, the balanced Sonic Euphoria? Perfect also for the DNA's 100kOhms input impedance.

Vladimir, it is true about the impedance. One must choose wisely in that regard. A finely discrete voulme contril is also necessary.

I tried a Bent passive with the Mc at one point. It was superb in many ways, and turned out to work perfectly in another person's system, yet I missed a bit in terms of dynamics and low end cotrol with mine. I'd have to do a loaner plan in my system before buying another.