Pre-Amp Recommendation

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.

Hi - You owe it to yourself to hear the new Audio Van Alstine Trancendence 7 Preamp before you buy anything. It doesn't have the "name" factor of some of the elite stuff others will recommend, but it will sound absolutely superb, and the phono is outstanding. It's well within your budget, and you won't regret it for a minute. Here's the link:
"http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/preamplifier/transcendence_seven_ec.htm"

Still looking for Tommy The Canexican,
Ed

Audio Illusions 3A! Tight bass and won't disappoint you.

I would also look at some of Dense's preamps. They make awfully good stuff, but are rare in the USA unfortunately.