Amps get all the thunder, what about preamps?

The MFA and Counterpoint preamps are some of the best ones ever made. Especially if you use the phono section. The rare Counterpoint SA-9 is probably the best dedicated phono amp ever made, although it is very expensive and very few made. MFA had the same designer as Audible Illusions, Bruce Moore, who is one of the best in the business. These can be great bargains on the used market, if you get them upgraded with new caps.

I like the neutrality of the Sonic Frontiers Line series of pre-amps, and the Line 1 and 2 can be found used for well under $2000. I just had my Line 2 upgraded to the SE level, and the new tubes/parts added a welcome bit of warmth to music. Cheers. Craig

I third the CAT, very tough to beat in this price range used. I would also consider the Counterpoint SA-11 and the ARC SP-10 Mk2 a wonderfully musical full range pre-amp. To my ears their absolute best effort along with the LS-5, no phono stage with that one though.

With upgraded parts all the above would compete with anything currently available.

I haven't heard CAT. I'll try to find one for a listen. Right now I am using an Aleph P and love it. The Aleph replaced a Sonic Frontiers Line 1. On my system the SF was slightly chalky dry in the mids. Should have taken the review seriously on that one.

Getting back to the question, the pre is very important. If your amp isn't clipping, the pre is just as important, but so are all the other components.

Are you interested in a traditional pre-amp with a phono stage? Do you have specific MM and/or MC requirements? If not for a little more money a used TacT might offer the biggest bang for the buck.