Preamp recommendation $300: see desired features

Another reason why I think the RC995 is worth the extra money is that it has a serious phono stage, not just some circuit board to accommodate phono.

The phono circuitry in the RC995 is derived from the stand alone Rotel RHQ-10 phono stage which had an MSRP of $1900.00 back in 1993. The Rotel RH line of products were of a much higher quality than anything they've made before or since. The RC995 is possibly the best non-RH 2 channel stereo preamp Rotel ever sold, although I have not heard the RC1090.

I'll second the NAD 1600. Very nice unit.

Look for an IRD Purist in the used market. This is one of the best $1000 valued preamp for very low price.

The Sony 2000 (originally $1,000 I think)has all that and more. I'll send you more detailed specs and photos if you think you might want to go in that direction.

What do you like about the nad 1600 preamp?