Best Preamp New or Used up to $3,000 ??

I owned a AI Modulus 3, 3A, & 3B.  I now own and use a Mac C2500 and I have found my last preamp.  So many options, on the fly phono loading, processor loop, and tone controls.  This is the best preampi have ever owned.  I’m off the merry go round.  

The Atma-Sphere MP-3 is a fully balanced fully differential tube preamp with a direct-coupled output. Since your Cary has a balanced differential input, the MP-3 would have a leg up over the others mentioned here, on account of the fact that while some of the other preamps on your list are balanced, the MP-3 supports the balanced standard while the others do not.
The advantage of the balanced standard (otherwise known as AES48) is that there will be far less need to audition the interconnect cables- the balanced standard was conceived to reduce or eliminate interconnect cable artifacts, and its very effective at that.

You can sometimes MP-3 preamps used within your price point, sometimes even with a phono section (optional).

I think you could find a used or floor sample McIntosh C47 which is outstanding with good phono stages and a good dac.

Since I repair many audio products monthly, you would be hard pressed to find something that has the sound of an old Counterpoint SA-5 preamp.  They can be upgraded with ease to sound even better.  All tube design and they sound fantastic.  Or you can get an SA-2000 and send it to me and I can upgrade the unit for you to sound like nothing you ever heard in the price range you are looking at.

Happy Listening.

DeHavilland