Help me find a pre-amp


Hello everyone.  I’ve done loads of searches & reading of threads on here.  I need to find a pre amp & make a final decision on amp to upgrade my sound.  Source will be purely digital (Qobuz) streamed from Aurender A200 (my two channels are also used for TV). Synergistic research cables.  For power amp I’m down to Rogue DragoN or a McIntosh 612.  Speakers are Chapman T-7.  I want the shityy recordings of 70s & 80s rock to come to life & fill the room(Rush, Van Halen etc)

The budget I have in mind for a pre is <$5k.
From all I’ve read here The Modwright L100 seems to be highly recommended, but I have not heard it.  
Thanks for your opinions!

128x128rkfaberdds

The preamp is really important. It will set the central sound quality. It is important to get it right. Mac vs Rogue is different. Mac is not detailed enough for me and Rogue not musical enough. I would recommend auditioning an all Mac, Rogue, and Audio Research system and see which sound family you like most. I personally prefer Audio Research or Conrad Johnson. Both of these companies really shine in preamps with great detail, natural, well balanced, and musical sound. 

" I want the shityy recordings of 70s & 80s rock to come to life & fill the room(Rush, Van Halen etc)"

" Source will be purely digital (Qobuz) streamed from Aurender A200 "

Unfortunate you're not spinning the original  LP's. Moving Pictures/VH debut outstanding via period press. 

Far from terrible recordings.

The LS 100 was my daily driver for a long time and was really good with many different amps. Dan Wright is great to work with. There's a pretty good deal on one right now, no relation with the seller:

 

When I settled on Atma-Sphere amps (first the M-60s and now the Class Ds) I eventually found an Alma-Sphere MP-3 which, unsurprisingly, has a bit more synergy. The MP-3 is generally more expensive than the LS 100 but I found my MP-3 for less than $5K; they come up occasionally if you're patient. Ralph Karsten is also very supportive.

My spare now is a LTA MicroZotl MZ2S which is surprising close to the MP-3 and can be found in the $1K range. LTA also makes higher end preamps which are less than $5K used and likely better than the MZ2 but I haven't heard them.

There are a LOT of good preamps in your price range.

My bad:McIntosh 312

I Truly appreciate everyone’s input here.  Backert looks like another interesting one!  Keep em coming