Best Preamp New or Used up to $3,000 ??


Okay I am listening. The models I am looking at are:
Audible Illusions L3 .$2,000+
Aesthetic Calypso.$2,000+.
Prima Luna Dialogue $2,200
EAR 834L.$1,700.
Benchmark LA4 (New) $2,600.
McIntosh 2500.$4,000 (Over budget but has tone controls and Phono stage)
Other Equipment: Cary MK 120-s, Oppo 205, Older Tannoys FSMs-very efficient.
Music I enjoy: Vocals, 70 db, Near field position.
So if you have owned any of the above, please share your experience.
I am attracted to these brands as they seem to place value on things related to musicality.
Separate quality Power supply, Dual Mono setup, Quality components. Remotes (except EAR)
So what am I not valuing that I should be?
Thanks in advance.

128x128firstnot
firstnot

Lets look at this with some sanity, no-one else has yet.

1: Oppo 205 voltage output 2.1v se 4.2v xlr
2: Cary120 sensitivity only 1.2v in for full output, at 100kohm input z
3: Tannoy FMS 97db efficiency!!!

Look at this closely, the last thing you need is an active preamp with even more gain, you’ll be at 8 o’clock for full ear spitting output.

What you need is a preamp with little or no gain or a passive preamp.
And that 100kohm input impedance on the Cary means anything will drive it.

Cheers George
Audio Note Kits (ANK) L3!
Take your time and look around for a used one that usually sell in the $1500-$2500 range depending on components installed.

I had one years ago sold it for financial reasons and just repurchased an L3 upgraded to L4. Very happy!
Also look into the Shinny Eyes preamps made by Radu Tarta. Excellent sounding transformer coupled preamp at a very reasonable price.

https://simplepleasuretubeamps.wordpress.com/

Some others to consider depending on your requirements and preferences:

Baekert Labs Rumba

Don Sachs SP14

De Havilland Ultraverve

If you don't use vinyl, the Cary SLP05 is divine, and sometimes can be had used in your price range.