Best SS preamp $1000

The Bel Canto is a wonderful balance of neutral, transparent and musical, smooth and sweet at the same time.

Never thin sounding or bright in any way. You can listen to music for hours without any fatigue.

It really is quite good and can be found used for $1000 or so.

I have owned some of the best pre's and the Pre 3 is very special at its price point.

Neutral is the best word to describe the Bel Canto Pre3. Volume goes up, or volume goes down with no coloration that I can hear, it's like no pre at all. I've owned a few decent amps but none have been as transparent as the Pre3.
Smooth operation is an added plus. The volume control seems infinitely adjustable, an excellent feature.
That's my take.
Disclaimer - I'm considering selling mine to simplify with an integrated amp but haven't committed to it yet. The last time I tried to replace it lasted about a month before I put the Pre3 back in the system.

Most of the reviews of the Pre3 jibe with what Timrhu & Grannyring have said above -- it's neutral and doesn't color the sound.

This fits well with my taste -- I prefer neutral and detailed and transparent, even what some might describe as a litte bit "foward" -- rather than "warm" or "sweet" or "laid back", etc., etc.

I could always swap out some interconnects and/or speaker cables to take the edge off the sound if it went too far.

[@Timrhu, please feel free to shoot me an email if you decide to let go of the Pre3.]

RE: "The aesthetics (i.e., silver faceplate) don't fit with the rest of my gear"
Bel Canto Design offers a black faceplate upgrade option, if that helps any.
http://www.belcantodesign.com/Upgrade.html#5

"Bel Canto Design offers a black faceplate upgrade option, if that helps any."

I had not seen that before, thanks for the tip!