Opportunity to buy the best Preamp... but which?

There's been no discussion about SE/balanced... in preamps this can be a big deal on account of the interconnect cables.

So- if funds are unlimited for a preamp, what amps do you have? Will they accept either input?

Balanced operation is definately a big deal ultimately, and should be mentioned. As for "the best", it all depends on what your going for...sympnony hall/jazz club or pop/hip-hop..etc... If re-creating the ephemeral nature of live instruments is a standard, then one can limit the field substantialy. If one only needs to have sufficient bass and treble to connect to pointless pulsating rythms or the inconsequential ramblings of the pseudo-musicians so prevalent today...well, you see my point!

Mikelavigne makes a point about the Dartzeel pre linked via bnc to their amp.
I had a unscientific experience listening to orchestral music, with that pre:

The Dartzeel 18 vs the FM acoustics 255: the 255 was better driving a Dart amp (more sense of immediacy and urgency in the music). BUT the Dart connected via bnc to the Dart amp was as satisfying as the FM-A

If it were me, I'd buy a Wyetech Labs Pearl and be done with it.

01-23-07: Weez
If it were me, I'd buy a Wyetech Labs Pearl and be done with it.

So the Pearl is better than the Opal?
Does Wyetech Labs know this?