Opportunity to buy the best Preamp... but which?

I am not sure what your point is Atmasphere.
I can think of plenty of tube pre amps as well. I have tried VTL7.5, ARC ref 1 & 2, CAT, cary 98P and new cj ACT2 / CT5.

I much prefer the musical presentation of the original ART/prem16. That is why I have come back to cj pre amp after 3 years of not limiting myself to cj.

Dave b, excuse my long delay but I only just read your responses. Have you heard the FM Acoustic pre's or the Essential 3150 and, if so, which FM Acoustic pre's and what were your impressions of these and the Essential - particularly in comparison with your tubes pre?

I'm just curious because I feel that these really do bring something quite unique to the table.

Dgob, the 268 was impressive but expensive and not better than the ref 3..tubes still complete the picture better for me. Funny, FM stuff is rarely mentioned in high end circles ?

Hi Downunder, In the world of tubes, the Aesthetix preamps are highly regarded, Einstein has an impressive preamp, we've been making an all tube balanced preamp longer than anyone else...

I guess my point is, why did you go back to CJ after such a limited engagement of other preamps?

How is the Accuphase C-280 or C-290V? Also contender for best preamp or not? It has lots of electronic parts inside though.

Chris