Yamaha CX 2 preamp verse say a Rotel RC 995?

The preamp is the most important piece to get right. I would hold off and save up for something good, and definitely not vintage. If you don't have anything, get a passive for the time being.

What is your budget for a pre and what amp are you using ?

 I am using a B@k 4420 and a PT 3 tuner preamp which may? be equal or better then those mentioned  Would like remote, phono and headphone.  $200 to $300 used. .Not vintage?? It has been my take most older gear sounds richer and more musical then much of the hyper detailed thin sounding unmusical  gear today .  Not to mention better built.  I have heard and seen many people comment about this.   I am talking about the very affordable mid fi gear not the big buck stuff. I worked in the audio biz and saw things tip over and head down hill. I have also tried the NAD C 160 and 162 and Rotel RC 1070

OK, so we are looking for a preamp with remote, phonostage and headphone output for $300 which will be at least sonically equal to the PT-3.  Well, I need to think on this.

I owned the B&K ST-140 amp and Pro10 preamp at one time (for ~25 years). Thought them to be a high quality entry into the 'High End'. I would have had to spend much more to do better. 

" Not vintage?? It has been my take most older gear sounds richer and more musical then much of the hyper detailed thin sounding unmusical gear today . Not to mention better built."

Can you give some examples? I can't think of any vintage preamps that I would want to own.

I love sharing this hobby as much as possible think it’s really cool when people take it seriously and with passion you may turn your nose up at this but I have a Rotel RC-970BX preamp with bass and trouble in its original box I’d be happy to send you for free if you pay for the shipping I’m not a rich man by any means im a young father of three but you can have it if you want. Don’t like it just pass it on to a new Young audiophile just starting out or something I would have been really pumped to receive this for free when I first started out. I also have a couple parasound amplifiers and two sets of speakers that could use new homes too if any of you guys know anybody that wants them free-of-charge honestly I just want to spread the audiophile love just pay the Freight.