Best used 2 channel preamp for 2500.00.


Hi to all the experts out there. I have a sims titan 5 channel amp (basically 5 channels of the w-5). I would like to mate it with a great preamp for music. The front runner right now is a Audio Research LS-25. What else should I look at? Are there older model AR's that will do just as well? I plan on getting a arcam FMJ 23 CD player. My speakers are custom made Scan speak driver. Thanks for any help you guys and girls can give me!!!!!
tennispro
Try a Copland CTA301 Mkl or Mk2. Will match up against any of the recommended preamps and yet cost a 1/3 of their price. Have yet to hear a better preamp. (and yes I have listened to it and yes it is a preamp. I only say that as you earlier got a suggestion for an amp that was never heard before yet it is recommended. Plus you asked for a pre not an amp)
Seriously, the Copland preamp makes a lot of expensive preamps sound cheap.
Another conrad johnson the PF-R its a great pre amp. The premier 14 is also a good one. Ive seen PF-R on here as cheap as $1100. I dont think you will get a better pre amp unless you want to spend some outrageous money!
Ayre K-3x, or like JC Audio indicated to use a tube if you want to get into tubes. Read the reviews on it. Rated very high. I am a consumer and not a seller of equipment and I am going to buy one soon to mate with my Ayre V-3 amp.