Which used preamp for Halo A21, under $1,000?

Thanks for the generous offer Tim. Alas, I'm in NJ, otherwise I'd take you up on it.

So I've definitely narrowed it down to either the Coda CLX or the Wyred4Sound STP-SE. Anyone else have experience with the sound if either pre (or both) using the balanced connections with a solid state amp of the A21's ilk?

Update: I bought the Coda CLX. It was a dealer demo, so practically new and has the full warranty. I'll give my impressions once I have some time with it in my system.

So I've had the Coda CLX in my system for a few weeks now, and I couldn't be happier with it. (I'm running it balanced with Mogami 2534 cables to my Halo A21.)Compared to the Anthem, I'm hearing a lot more detail, a deeper and wider soundstage, great instrument separation even at higher listening levels, and all the dynamics that I imagined were to be had from the Halo A21 driving the Alon IIs. I also like that it's neither noticeably warm or at all lean, but rather staking out a perfect (to my ears) middle ground of neutrality. Timlub mentioned that the sound should continue to improve as the CLX burns in, so it appears there's a little more of the same to come.

Hi, dbxdx5!

It's been a few years but I have the same question you had and I thought I'd try to get your attention and ask if you could help guide me with my quest to drive my Halo A21 to new heights. Like you, I think it sounds ok but know it could sound much better. Now that you've had so much experience with this amp, I wonder if you wouldn't mind helping me out? Which pre do you recommend I buy to make my A21 shine?

Thanks!

louie