For $3k you can get a good analog front end- I will allow those who are the analog guru's make suggestions. I will say that the mega-buck analog front ends are fantastic, and feel that you will get a good analog rig for $3k but it will not perform to the level of a high end SME, Rockport, Walker or VPI(TNT-HRX). I don't know of anyone who's system doesn't have some sort of compromise, its part of this hobby. What I am trying to say is don't lose sleep trying to get the performance of SOTA components when you have a budget to consider, its a losing battle unfortunately, listen to what folks here recommend and get the best you can for your money and forget about the really esoteric stuff :)
