Preamp recommendations up to $2000

Xrayz,

I'm in a similar boat as you regarding a possible pre-amp upgrade in the same general price range. I have identified many options including some mentioned here. I think when and if I do it, I will create a short list and then look to see which ones match up best to my amp in regards to output impedance and sensitivity levels to narrow it down further. I have no idea yet at this point exactly where that would leave me.

One option I would consider that would not get much mention otherwise I think is a vintage Tandberg pre-amp only because I have owned a Tandberg receiver (TR2080) and mated it with my system with very excellent results in the past and I think a Tandberg pre-amp would be even more exceptional.

Audible Illusions Modulud 3A...(I love saying that). Its around 800-1200 used. Tubed pre. Go for the L2 version if you can (comes with remote). Amazing pre for half of what your willing to pay. Look it up on google and here in the forums...its an amazing piece that is many ways approaches my 10,000 Wytech Labs Opal pre. No joke.

If you have any money tied up in a good power cable, or were going to, then consider that the Dodd doesn't need one, since it runs off battery power.
Of the suggestions above that are in or close to $2k, nothing comes close IME. The Supratek is closest, and includes a very good phono stage, but note that the company isn't in business any longer, if that matters to you.

Haven't heard the Rowland Capri. Cheers,

Spencer

Just to give you some perspective on the Dodd, I've come to prefer it after having owned CAT, Lamm, Joule, Placette Active and Passive, Atma-sphere (which I prefer with my Atma amps) and a BENT Tap-X. I'm not saying you would like it better than any of these, though most would be out of the price range you are considering, but the Dodd certainly competes in this league. I especially like it with some NOS Amperex rolled in, the preamp essentially let's you hear the tube to some extent so it can be "voiced" to your preference - it doesn't sound at all badd with the JJ it comes with. As a former owner of the AI 3A, I can say that all of the above preamps were preferable to my ears - though for $800-1,200 it is a might fine sounding unit, just not in the same league with Dodd IMHO.

I second the deHavilland. There is a Mercury II for sale right now on Audiogon for $1995. If I didn't already own one, I'd buy it.