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What's your "diminishing returns" preamp choice?

What preamp would you consider is at the point of diminishing returns for you? I realize this is a vague and subjective question, but I think it will be interesting to hear the answers.

Of course, a $10,000 preamp will (probably) sound better than a $1,000 preamp but everyone has a different point at which they feel they have spent enough money. In some cases, one may feel that there isn't a significant difference between a $2k piece and a $10k piece to justify such a purchase.

I've noticed that there are some gems in the audio world that defy their price point. For instance, Apogee Centaurs, Halfer 9505 etc. I've always found such pieces fascinating.
woofer72
highend666
352 posts
 
Vinnie Rossi preamp but with the "300B Tubes" and a Pure Audio Amp sounds perfect to me! 
Now if they only used Acora Acoustics speakers in this system too it would be a lot better...As Perfect as it gets in 2020?! 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0iARGZpGTM
yyzsantabarbara
4,815 posts
 
Benchmark HPA4 ($3k). The best audio component I have ever bought. The LA4 is the same without headphone ($2.5k).

The great thing about this unit is that it is quieter than likely EVERY other preamp and DAC out there. It also does not have much of a sonic signature so you can flavor your sound with speakers and amps.
neonknight
392 posts
 
Best bang for the buck I have acquired is a Halcro DM8. Bought it from The Music Room and it is in like new shape. I am not fond of tubes any more and prefer the unassuming and even keeleed presentation of this preamp. Kind of ugly though and takes up too much room in my audio rack.  
lancelock
1,093 posts
 
Absolute biggest bang for the buck is the Linear Tube Audio MZ2. You would have to spend a few thousand more to see improvement 
gmercer
193 posts
 
For me it is McIntosh. The preamp is perfectly transparent. I see no reason to move up from it with price vs diminishing returns in mind.
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