Best SS preamp $1000

Thx Rlwainwright, I've noticed the USP-1 and am definitely curious about it. The specs certainly look impressive, especially at the price point. I see them sell on A-gon within hours of being listed, so I could always grab one and test drive it...If it's not for me, it won't be any trouble to move, that seems certain. I wonder if it would be an improvement over my P/LD-1100?

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions so far. A couple of them were already on my radar (particularly the Adcom GFP-750) but many of them are new to me, thanks and keep them coming!

Question for "AVIDEO" who suggested the McIntoshes: I had noticed the C15 because there was one for sale on A-gon last week, but there seemed to be mixed reviews among Mac enthusiasts. Have you heard the C15 and if so, can you describe your thoughts on its sound quality?

Another general question for all: How much of a factor do you consider age to be when it comes to preamps? Or put another way, would today's $1500 pre blow away a 10-year old similarly priced pre just by virtue of accumulated technological / design advances?

Thanks again to all, a few more possibilities added to my list from your suggestions.

The Bel Canto Pre3 seems to get high marks for transparency and detail in reviews, which are what I'm looking for. The aesthetics (i.e., silver faceplate) don't fit with the rest of my gear at all, but that's not a deal-breaker.

Does anyone have experience with the models noted below...? They seem to meet my criteria but haven't found too much info about them yet.

- Arcam FMJ C30 or C31?
- Cambridge Audio 840E
- Linn Kairn

Thanks again!

OK, that's a fair question after I solicited input from you all...After doing more research on some of your suggestions, here's my final short list (in no particular order):

- Bel Canto Pre3
- Adcom GFP-750
- PS Audio PCA-2

The Adcom was already on my list, the PS Audio kind of but not really, and the Bel Canto not at all. So I owe the Board for contributing let's say 1.5 of my 3 choices!

I actually just bought my new (used) speakers as a first step in revamping my system, so I will probably not pull the trigger on a preamp for a little while yet, just to give my wallet a little time to recover. But now I know what I'm looking for and if I see a good deal on any of the items above I could easily decide not to be patient ;)

When you see a new thread started by me for "What's the best SS amp for <$1000?" you'll know I've plugged in a new pre and moved on to the last piece of the puzzle!

Most of the reviews of the Pre3 jibe with what Timrhu & Grannyring have said above -- it's neutral and doesn't color the sound.

This fits well with my taste -- I prefer neutral and detailed and transparent, even what some might describe as a litte bit "foward" -- rather than "warm" or "sweet" or "laid back", etc., etc.

I could always swap out some interconnects and/or speaker cables to take the edge off the sound if it went too far.

[@Timrhu, please feel free to shoot me an email if you decide to let go of the Pre3.]

"Bel Canto Design offers a black faceplate upgrade option, if that helps any."

I had not seen that before, thanks for the tip!

Just an update for those who pitched in with info or followed this thread: I ended up going with the Bel Canto Pre3 and it sounds fantastic in my system. I'm listening as I type this, as a matter of fact...Very happy with it.

It's a significant, not-at-all subtle upgrade in SQ from my Parasound P/LD-1100, more so than I expected to be honest. The old pre was clearly holding my new speakers back -- not anymore! They now sound every bit as good as they did when I first heard them demo-ing in the audio store.

Lots of good preamps were suggested by forum members, so hopefully this thread is helpful to others in the future. Thanks!

Next up...new amp :)

I did read up on the RLD-1 and many people described it as having a "tubey" sound, or being particularly well-suited to pairing with a tube amp, so I didn't think it would be my thing (I prefer a very neutral sound). The RLD-1 is certainly a well-regarded piece of gear though, and was solidly in my price range. If I was looking for a little warmth in my system it probably would have been my choice.