Emotiva USP 1 verse Rotel RC 990 995 or B&k PT 3

Vandersteen 2CEs, Polk SDAs, VS VR 2s (not impressed) and two of the three will be leaving. Marantz 7001 and AP Solo Crystal and oval 9. Budget is under $300 for a preamp Not a big fan of seperates as it more cords and variables but I have this Rotel RB 990 sitting here. Yamaha CX 800U comes to mind also. Real nice item.

What's your budget? Other gear?

I thought the B&K was better than the Rotel 990 when I had both.Esp.on acoustic music.
But many rockers prefer the hard-edge Rotel sound.

Pretty sure the 990 and 995 are about the same.

I have a PT3 and its not good at all. Emotiva is ok , I vote for the Rotel. I have a rotel 1070 preamp (4 Sale)that is awesome also

The Rotel 995 is an excellent pre-amp and a step or two above the others.