A great SS preamp with separate power supply

the classe cp-60 can be had for that price, uses a seperate power supply and sounds fine.

Snook2,
Have you compared the Aloia PST 11.01i to the CAT Ultimate. I ask because I'm trying to find a remote capable ss pre with the same sonics as the Ultimate.
Erik

Ayre K-3 is a fantastic preamp and can be had for your price (used) w/its magnificent phono section and remote included. Power supply separate.

Pass Labs has a SS pre-amp with separate power supply, and Pass has a reputation of sounding exceptionally smooth and somewhat "tubelike"-- could be expensive and I haven't actually heard the Pass pre. I use a Sonic Frontiers Line 2 (6 tubes) with separate power supply. It's neutral, accurate, smooth, not "tubey" and very versatile. Cheers. Craig

If you want something that will "match the best tube preamp", then why not buy the best tube preamplifer your budget will allow. If you want tube sound, then buying anything solid-state will be a disappointment.