What's the best preamp for under 1000

Placette.By far the most musical and transparent.And I've had most of them both SS and tube.

what are your opinions of the CJ PV12AL compared to the PV10BL?

The CJ PV12al is very nice as well and probably within your budget. It's your choice.

Thanks to all. I made a decision on a preamp, and it wasn't any of the suggested pre's. I purchase a ARC LS2. I went with something which has a high used resale, and i've heard the ARC LS3 with my system and loved it. I thought the LS2 might sound even better the the LS3, with the sound somewhat adjustable with one tube. Thanks, and I'll remember all your recommendations for future reference.

Not here to pooh pooh your purchase, I made the same one 4 years ago, it was a big step up but was later replaced in the ever evolving chain of audio pursuit.

I had an LS 2 mk II for the money it's great, it is very revealing but can be a little shrill on the top end, a well placed nos tube like a telefunken E88c or 188c can help (don't worry one $100 tube isn't a bad deal to tame this) some of the dutch tubes as well (my local hifi shop found a dutch tube that helped cure things nicely), but I ended up going up to an ARC LS5 which is twice the price for engaging real audio heaven.

experiment with the tube - it will pay off

when you are ready to make that or a similiar jump you should be able to get about what you paid out of your LS2.

enjoy

tom