Purchase the Audible Illusions Modulus 3A. The Best Preamp period. Has the depth and slight warmth of tubes but great high end. Make sure you take the capacitors out of the signal path(a user option located on the circut board with dip switches). Of course this is my opinion, if you like a thicker,warmer sound, leave the capacitors in the signal path. Also, do not use the cd input for cd, as this input has some padding down, which in my experience detracts from the transparency of the unit through all other inputs. Read the reviews on this unit. Used pieces go for $1000-1700. I have used one for several years and can't go back to solid state although I've ventured out a couple of times. I have listened to the Rogue and thought the Audible was better. Have not listened to the VTL. Also the Audible has an great resale-ability going for it. Good Luck! Paul
preamps - vtl tl5.5/rogue 99/linn kairn
i currently use a linn kairn w/brilliant p/s & fono - great transparency/detail/clarity/pace, & convenience. considering toobs, & have narrowed it down to the vtl tl-5.5 & the rogue 99. both have optional internal fono, like the linn. i'm interested in the possibility of better soundstage depth, but don't wanna give up what the linn does well. speakers are meret re's, bi-amped w/a pair of electrocompaniet amps; lo-end is x-over'd at 60hz w/a marchand 24db/octave x-over, to a pair of bridged adcom gfa 555's driving vmps larger subs. any comments/suggestions? max budget is ~$2k (new *or* used). thanks