best preamp ever - cost is no object

Me neither..

I dont know what is the best preamp but here is what I currenly have: Cary SPl05, ConradJohnson CT5, Audio Research Reference 3. My favorite is Reference 3 with other factors being held constant. If you're in the Twin Cities area, give me a call for a listen and draw your own conclusions.

VIOLA CADENZA stop the search..

Did a lot of comparison in the meantime: to my ears the two best solid state pre-ams are FM Acoustics 268 Mk II and Boulder 2010. The best tube pre I´ve encountered so far is Ayon Audio Spheris - magic !!

I would say there is no such thing as 'best' in this category. You'd have to audition the usual suspects.