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
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.

@gmercer 

 mcintosh is amazingly pure, and damn near flawless.     Never owned, but hundreds hours of auditions.
 They are that good.
if you can swing, afford a good Mac pre, jump fast.

 Or try a couple different ones.

 It’s fun trying diff components and their signature sound, with your existing setup.

 Took me years to acquire what I have now.
30+ years