What's your "diminishing returns" preamp choice?


What preamp would you consider is at the point of diminishing returns for you? I realize this is a vague and subjective question, but I think it will be interesting to hear the answers.

Of course, a $10,000 preamp will (probably) sound better than a $1,000 preamp but everyone has a different point at which they feel they have spent enough money. In some cases, one may feel that there isn't a significant difference between a $2k piece and a $10k piece to justify such a purchase.

I've noticed that there are some gems in the audio world that defy their price point. For instance, Apogee Centaurs, Halfer 9505 etc. I've always found such pieces fascinating.
woofer72
I recently purchased an Ayre K5xe-MP here on Agon and absolutely love it. I was playing my CH Precision C1 dac direct into my CH Precision A1 amp and it sounded great, but with the Ayre there's a slight sweetening of the sound with no or little loss of air and dynamics playing the C1 direct. I think the K5xe-MP is a steal even at full list.
I am very impressed with the new $3k model from Backert Labs. Think they will have it at Capitol Audio Fest. Cheers,

Spencer
Socfan12, you will also see you have more resolution, especialy in the midrange and no loss of resolution when you lower the volume.
Vincent SA-T8. I own 4 Pre-Amps and have heard many more. Competes with Pre-Amps up to 10k. Superb dimensionality, soundstaging,dynamics. Musicality in spades.