best preamps

Best I have heard . Gryphon Mirage and Ypsilon ...forget pre model but Phono stage is Ypsilon Silver ....$80 000. For my limited budget Yamaha C2a refurbished Yamaha CX 1 and Sony E90ES - units I use regularly. Luxman C03 is decent too. So much to choose from..

I agree with Elizabeth, the best preamp is a free preamp. 

Best preamps i'v heard Pass XP20, Accuphase C280V, C290,
Z systems RDP-1 digital digital preamp from the late 90s.  You do need a dac for the Z Systems RP-1 preamp to work.  TRL Dude tube preamp, Mcintosh C2300 tube preamp. Sony TA ER1 preamp, 

I do like my Teo Audio Liquid Pre passive. No AC grunge to dirty up the sound.