best preamps in the 4K-8K range


I'm looking for some opinions on preamps. My current system is: Ayre Cx-7 CD player, Arcam AV8 preamp, Cary 500 MB monoblocks (currently using arcam P7 preamp, but have the Carys on order), Dali euphonia MS4 speakers, Richard Gray Power. I find m current system nice, but slightly analytical, and not as 3-dimentional as I'd like. I'd also like some more musicality with a touch of warmth. I have been thinking about BAT, Cary, Herron and Pass labs preamps--some would need to be picked up used on audiogon to stay in my price range. I would certainly appreciate any thoughts on what might go well with my system from any audiogoners. Thanks
tcheathertree
Any VAC Renaissance Signature Mk. II will do the job & more. Find one with the phono section & you're in like Flint!
Regards
Richard
currently on audiogon are some very nice pre's from joule well under your price point. before you buy amy of the units mentioned please do yourself a favor and listen to a joule 100 or 150. you'll have to spend a heap of money to do better. and I mean a heap..... and no, I do not have one for sale but I do listen to one every day
Check out www.H-cat.com for info on the North American Products 12 preamp ($3995.00). IHMO, I don't think there is anything better. I have owned many fine preamps over the years (Audio Research, Threshold, Spectral, Krell just to mention a few. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. You should trust your own ears on your selection.
You should definitely checkout the VTL 6.5. I went on a long quest for a new preamp and got that one. It has a good measure of warmth without being mushy. I found the BAT to be a little soft. On the slightly less warm side, but still definitely a tube preamp is the ARC Ref 3. The VTL lists for $8500 and the Ref 3 for $10k, but deals can be had on demos, etc.