Looking for a GREAT preamp under $2000...thoughts?

I've got one last comment. You've got the amps you wanted, you have some EXCELLENT speakers, now take a little time to audition some tube pre's. There are excellent recommendations in the above comments. The point is to get the most out of those Gallos.

Check out some of Nightshade's offerings. They're tube but supposed to sound great. He has a forum on Audiocircle

If you can find it the Von Gaylord LAD-L2 is an outstanding preamp and usually fetches about $2k or less used. Add $300 or so for a pair of Shuguang Black Treasure or Psvane CV-181 tubes and take it up another notch in performance. I largely prefer the LAD-L2 to the Conrad Johnson CT5 it replaced. I have read of another user here who replaced his BAT VK-51SE with the LAD-L2. These are both highly lauded $8500 units.

I've used the Bel Canto C5i pre section, which is similar to the Pre3, and while nice it is not in the same league. Same goes for the Placette Passive Linestage and Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE.

I don't want to sound like a fan boy but all Von Gaylord products have been superb in my experience and have taken over most of my system.

The new Rowland stuff looks fantastic, but is damn expensive. I'm going to take a look at everyone's suggestions. Thanks for chiming in.