I recommend Schiit Freya + . I have not heard it but am very familiar with many of the companies products. I own three. They are simply outstanding for the money and this has the advantage of being tube or solid state, and you can swap tubes to see haw this can change the sound. You want to get as good a preamp as possible for your system… this fits the bill for the budgeted minded.
New pre-amp purchase advice
Helping a friend* decide upon a new pre-amp purchase - current pre amp, a Meitner PA-6i is RIP. I thank you in advance the knowledgeable members of Audiogon to offer good advice.
*he got me into this crazy hobby over 40 years ago!
Budget: Around $1K, give or take. He’s considering a new $700 Adcom GFP-815 but open to suggestions. Primary interest: a TT input for low output MC cartridges. Other line inputs needed too.
Remaining system components: Mission 775SM TT with Audioquest 404i cartridge, Krell KSA 100 MkII power amp driving Thiel CS 3.5’s.”
1000 thanks in advance, Tony