Best Kept Secret in Audio??

I heard a piece of equipment the other day that has me wondering - did I hear what I think I heard?

I did not have hours and hours, but I listened to a system I had heard before, and there was a new pre-amp in it - a McIntosh C200. I had not heard of this in "audiophile circles" as a world class unit.

But what I heard that nite has me wondering if it should be? And if it is, it may be one of the best bargains to boot selling in the $6K range I think including a phono stage.

Does anyone have any experience with this unit, and does it compete with the "usual suspects" when one thinks of top-notch pre-amps?

Thanks!!