Start saving. Unfortunately, you have heard the 26 and that sound is in your ear and mind. You will not be satisfied with anything else. At your price point there's nothing else you'll find that's going to match the 26 IMHO
I'm in a similar position, I have the LS-25mkII a very good preamp!!but can't afford at this time to move to the 26.
The 25 will get you close(with a good pr.of nos 6h30's)and its in your price range but its not the 26 and I'm not going to try to tell you it is but it is good enough for me that I don't feel a need to go out and hock my LP collection to get a 26. In due time I will make the move but until then I'm satisfied with the 25mkII
I hope this helps. If you want to know more feel free to e-mail me.
Also, the LS-5 mkIII is an all balanced preamp, so if your source components do not have balanced capabilities it probably won't work for you.
I'm in a similar position, I have the LS-25mkII a very good preamp!!but can't afford at this time to move to the 26.
The 25 will get you close(with a good pr.of nos 6h30's)and its in your price range but its not the 26 and I'm not going to try to tell you it is but it is good enough for me that I don't feel a need to go out and hock my LP collection to get a 26. In due time I will make the move but until then I'm satisfied with the 25mkII
I hope this helps. If you want to know more feel free to e-mail me.
Also, the LS-5 mkIII is an all balanced preamp, so if your source components do not have balanced capabilities it probably won't work for you.