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

I recall FM Acoustics now...it's a swiss boutique manufacturer catering to the exclusive "money is no object/sound is second" club.

Hardly. It's a pro equip manufacturer, it's not priced over all others, and the sound quality is superb. Nice quote however.
Likewise, atma's pre is also superb sounding, and the latest CAT is also nice.
Many nice products out there -- to little money.

Shane,
Which CJ Art do you have? What do you like about the ART that the ACT lacks? Bob

If Andrew the author of this thread hasn't found a preamp by now, he is not likely to do so. In the past seven months of this post, we have flogged this to death, and has turned more into a blog than anything else. All have made valid points in regards to personal choices, based hopefully on real ownership and/or have actually heard thier recommendations in real world environments. I believe it is time to move on or at least get back to the solid substance of this thread, although I belive that Andrew by now has made his choice. Well done to all the respondents of this post.

I do believe that the person that initiated the thread fully expected us to chime in with what we feel is the best preamp money can buy. This being based on our own personal experience. Therefore, my uphill climb has led me to believe that my Messenger preamp that I currently own is the best.

I would buy an Audio Aero with analogue inputs and volume control.