40 feet balanced between preamp and Levinson....

I would try CALLING the folks at LAT International and see what they can come up with for you. With that long of a run, you will encounter higher than normal series resistance and high frequency loss. While the balanced line will help to reduce this, i would recommend the use of a silver conductor. Not only is silver lower in resistance than copper, it's greater high frequency extension and tendency to increase system resolution may help to balance out the losses from such a long run. Not only are their prices pretty reasonable, you have an extended amount of time to try them out at home with no risk involved. Sean
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http://www.latinternational.com/

If you using ML you should deffenetely go for Transparent Audio or MIT. They are best working in long length.

I agree with Sean on this - LAT will be able to help you with a quality cable and good/fair price - I use them.

Go to the local electronic parts house and have them make up a pair. Bet it's a lot less than $800 (used!). According to the manufacturer of my Atma-Sphere pre-amp, it can drive lengths as long as 200 feet. Don't know about the Audio Research. You could ask 'em I bet.

It is my understanding that the folks at Atmosphere are using runs of balanced Belden cable between their top end preamp and power amps. Would be worth a call to Atmosphere to find out what they have to say about it. I'm sure they are able to use whatever they want. One of the advantages of balanced cable is they are suitable for very long runs and they are said to have much less of a sonic signature than single ended cables. Just a thought and it would not cost very much to find out. Given that Belden caters to a different market there is no hype or the snake oil so often present in the world of high end audio cables. Good luck with it.