Ohm Walsh Micro Talls: who's actually heard 'em?

Mapman,

Thanks for the advice. From what I've seen so far, those preamp brands will bust my budget, but I'll keep an eye out.

The S300 was kind of a steal (by the crazy standards of high-end audio): 1/2 off retail, new in box!

"those preamp brands will bust my budget"

Juicy should come in well under $1000 especially since you already have the phono pre-amp. Juicy is a stylistic challenge for some, but the best bargain in a tube pre-amp that I know of.

The others will likely come in on the flip side of $1000 somewhere I would guess.

In your price range, I'd be careful about SS pre-amps given that you are used to the Unico hybrid integrated. The Classe pre-amps or the Musical FIdelity A3CR pre-amp were my two leading contenders, but I decided to try the tube pre-amp plunge and have not regretted it.

Rebbi, I concur with Mapman that you would do well to consider a tube preamp. VTL is one to look at. If one becomes available, a VTL 2.5 will be under $1k. Tubes have added a naturalness and "realness" to instruments in the jazz I listen to.

Rebbe, another "pre-amp" that popped into my mind that might be worth considering is the PeachTree Decco. These can be had for under $500. It is a well reviewed (low power) hybrid integrated with tube DAC actually, but I'm thinking (not sure though) it might be used as a pre-amp only if desired. You would use digital out from your CD player (assuming that exists also) into the Decco. Phono would connect same as any other pre-amp. IF my assumptions are true, themn this would be the least expensive "high end" pre-amp solution I can think of.

Here's info on the Decco:

http://www.stereomojo.com/PeachTree%20Decco%20Review/PeachTreeDeccoReview.htm

I see the pre-amp out jacks on the rear photo, so I think this could work.