What's your "diminishing returns" preamp choice?

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.

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.  

Absolute biggest bang for the buck is the Linear Tube Audio MZ2. You would have to spend a few thousand more to see improvement 

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.

Everyone will post their personal purchases in a message post like this.


  Own several preamps!

McCormack LD-2
onkyo p-308B&K pro10-mc
Sanders sound preamp”

 to me the best sounding is still the Onkyo p-308, she is just outstanding, bass, features, looks, etc.
such a great pre”

2nd is the McCormack followed closely by the Sanders sound preamp. (McCormack and Sanders are darn close for being neutral and straight wire w gain.

 B&K pro10-mc  a nice neutral last (no slouch at all!)
very good pre,  needs a service and recap,bought new in early mid-90s’
used. A lot.
needs some nice Teflon caps and a break in!

check the Onkyo p-308, Ebay has em once in a while, worth the buy, and sending in for a upgrade and recap. Yes, that good!

 Sanders sound pre is also a straight wire w gain, the cleanest and purest pre I’ve owned, 

 trial and error, try many, choose 1 or 2.
 I like to have a backup pre, and amp just in case”

enjoy the hunt.