What's your "diminishing returns" preamp choice?

I use an "old and no longer available" Kavent S-33 dual mono balanced preamp which is the same damn thing as a Vincent SA-91 (even says that on a circuit board) but re-branded for reasons I don't remember…it sounds amazing (has an isolated dual mono power supply in it's own 3rd of the case) and will stay in my system until it dies and I can't find anybody to fix it, because it likely has zero re-sale value anyway. I could find a different sounding preamp, or a tube preamp, but a better sounding preamp? Doubtful, but I don't seem to care anyway…I do use a tube power amp with it and somehow this combo does the job (also a SS REL sub driven by the tube amp…is that cheating?)

Whatever Ralph, believe what you want.

I am not an expert like the rest of the folks who are posting but would say that a preamp shopper needs to try a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium.

Hand wired, dual momo, many available replacement tubes, etc., etc. for $3K new.

this is the best my system has sounded - Maggie 3.6 and DWM bass panel, Ric Schultz modified Oppo 105, and W4S amp.

Yea, I know it is my current preamp!

Enjoy the journey!

I've lived in the no preamp is the best preamp and passive worlds. Both provided happiness and long-term satisfaction. I think everyone should experiment, as despite what anyone claims, those options do offer the best solution for many people. Or, many people at that particular junction in time...

Now, playing along that you want an actual preamplifier, my vote for "diminishing returns" preamplifier goes to the AES (Audio Electronic Supply / Cary) AE-3. With the statement that different components perform better or worse depending on the system they go into out of the way, I've seen this little preamp sound flat out amaze people. In fact, as good or better than some that if mentioned here would react like throwing gasoline on a fire. My only reservation is that it doesn't include a phono stage for those who require same.

Woofer72, I have been going through somewhat of a "final" pre-amp search myself. It is the ONE component I would pay more for to find a notable improvement. Generally what you get with more expensive designs is larger power supplies, better parts and construction but I really believe that in conjunction with that what is equally important is the simplicity of the design itself which can make many lower priced preamps really make you question how much to spend.

I really have been enjoying a Supratek Syrah for many years with little interest in pursuing the upgrade path full well knowing that there IS better BUT I recently changed amplifiers and the seed of change is planted and I am also looking, considering numerous options but far from settling on anything as of yet.

One thing I would bring to your attention is the Odyssey Candela. What I REALLY like about this preamp is the fact that it is a budget priced linestage at around 1.6k with pretty lofty performance at its price. I would describe its sound as warm, VERY resolving with well defined image outlines but most importantly, an SET like tonal presentation, really drawing you in. This is but an example of what might be out there. The Dehavilland or possibly a used Cary are other excellent considerations as well but this Odyssey REALLY caught me by surprise, lent to me by a friend. It's hands down better than another 4K preamp I directly compared it to and the linestage is better than the Supratek. On the other hand the Supratek has a great phono stage and excellent dynamics, probably the best 2.5k I've ever spent on an audio component. You might want to try their free home audition. Its hard to imagine you wouldn't like it.