Pre-Amp Recommendation

Get a Bat you can't go wrong.

If you're lucky, a used Atma-Sphere MP-3.

Try to look at the Space-Tech Lab, their balanced pre start from less than US$1K and have a very good review from actual users. I have listened to their products both in the shop and my friend's place, very accurate, natural and opened sound, highly impressed. I am a brand-name freak, not even care to look at these small potatos before, I only will put an eye on Krell, Mark, Jadis, Cary, Conrad-Johnson, Audio-Research.....same as many other stereophile guys, but this small shop completely change my stubbon mind, I didn't met any brand-name products can beat down their musical liveness performance yet, of course their external appearances can look much better. I didn't have any of their products yet, I guess pretty soon I will be one of their customers. They are just like a small hole in the dam being neglected by most of the people right now, but I guess they can do something really big. Their web site is www.space-tech-lab.com

I second the Atma-Sphere MP-3 it is outstanding!

used aleph P has the features you want and is very quiet unless you go to tubes for their characteristics this is a solid value and very well built piece. The non remote version is quieter than the later remote version.

i would guess this is one pre that will last for many many years.