Hello,
If you can find an Audio Research pre in that price range you won't be dissapointed. I have had more amps and pre-amps that is allowed by law, and AR does if for me. I recently purchased some Oval Nines and now my system is for the most part, pretty much taken care of. In stead of obessing about this and that, I can actually sit down and enjoy the music! I haven't done that for quite some time!
If you can find an Audio Research pre in that price range you won't be dissapointed. I have had more amps and pre-amps that is allowed by law, and AR does if for me. I recently purchased some Oval Nines and now my system is for the most part, pretty much taken care of. In stead of obessing about this and that, I can actually sit down and enjoy the music! I haven't done that for quite some time!