OK folks, what the best pre for under 10,000?

Mcintosh C2200 ($4500), Highly regarded and well reviewed. Recent Hifi+ issue loved it. Being a Mcintosh they had low expectations, but were greatly surprised at just how good it was, noting it was the most fun the reviewer has had with a component in a long time.

Others... deHavilland (~$3000), Blue Circle (but dual volume controls bug me)...

I'd check out a Blue Circle BC3000 mk II. Extremely neutral and musical.

The Hovland pre, the HP-200, is nice and musical (and very pretty to look at) for about $5K to $6K. Music played through it has a nice flow (continuousness as HP calls it).

BTW, We are only admirers, not dealers, of Hovland.

Enjoy!
Mike.

To follow up with what Kenscollik stated on skipping the preamp altogether. I also have a Wadia 861se which basically bypasses the need for a preamp it does save alot of money, and deletes the need for an extra pair of cables which to me is an even better route altogether. BUt I only have 1 source and a minimalist setup. Other folks have tapes,records etc, something the Wadia doesnt solve for. For me it was perfect, for others its not.

What is the rest of your system? Do you prefer tube or solid state, and why? Do you need remote control? Balanced or single ended, or both?

Just a few questions to help you make some choices.

Brian