preamp choices under $1K ?


currently have a Cary Audio Cinema 11 that I use for music mainly.  nice pre but it always bugs me that I am running a processor when I just need a stereo + sub preamp. 

is there anything out there used I should look for? i know Marantz makes a stereo pre with preouts.  preouts are a must.
gentlejax
Love my Onkyo P308 
had for 20+ years, still is amazing, silent, great features, great looks.PLUS, she sounds amazing!

 Had for a low price.
If you can stretch a bit, I’d highly recommend you take a look at the Linear Tube Audio MZ2 at about $1500 new with remote.  You can order it with an extra pair of pre outs to run a sub at no extra cost if you don’t need the speaker output terminals, which you obviously don’t.  As a bonus, it’s also one helluva headphone amp.  Best of luck. 
is there anything out there used I should look for? i know Marantz makes a stereo pre with preouts.

Are you referring to a Marantz integrated amp with preamp outputs?

Next question; what amp will you be using? You are asking for a preamp recommendation. A preamp needs to be matched to an amp.


I would haunt the used gear ads. Looks to me like this pandemic is starting to squeeze some of us who've suddenly found ourselves over-leveraged. To coin a phrase.
I just saw an Audio Research SP-11 go on eBay for under $800.
You'd have to be looking for a sound that is pure sweetness.
I don't have one, but many, many people would direct you toward Schiit. 15 day trial and reportedly a great company to deal with. Price/value under $1k would be hard to beat.