Advise on used 1k to 1.5k pre-amp


I'm upgrading my system for better 2 channel performance and am looking for a pre-amp to go with Citation 7.1 amps. I'd like to get a quality transparent sounding pre-amp which will not be the limiting factor in my system. I'll be upgrading my cdp (Cambrige D500-SE) to something used also in the $1,000.00 to $1,500.00 range. Speakers will be my last upgrade and I'm looking along the lines of
B&W N804
B&W 802 Matrix S-III
Von Schweikert VR4-GenII
Vandersteen 3A-sig
Silverline Sonata
Meadowlark Heron
I'd like to get a pre-amp which will allow me to get close to the best of speakers such as these.(when combined with an equally good cdp)
say811
I owned a GFP-750 and it is indeed an outstanding preamp.... But it didn't seem to "separate" the instruments as well as my Audio Research LS16 tube preamp. In comparison, the GFP-750 sounded a little "cluttered" and bright. I know you're not interested in a tube preamp but thought this would be an interesting observation for you.

Like Eric's post above, I too have owned the Classe CP-35 (and CP-45) preamps. Keep in mind there were actually THREE different versions of the entry CP-35 preamp. You can find CP-35's for about $500 to $700 used. The recent versions have full-funtion remotes while the early version controlled only the volume and mute. You might also try their higher up model CP-47.5 for about $1200 to $1400 used. I found the Classe preamps to be a little less "bright" compared to the Adcom GFP-750 and over all more enjoyable.

...Abe
Anybody have an opinion on the Krell KRC-3. I've heard that it sounds very smooth and is quite different from other Krell products. Never having heard anything from Krell I don't know if this is good or bad.
melos ma333r (probably a hair more than $1500), or the melos sha-gold-r, for ~$1k. i'd put the ma333 up against any pre at any cost; the sha-gold is just a hair behind...

doug s.