best preamp under 4000 to match 4b sst

I will doubt finding used RWA Isabella .....at least in a very near future.
Dodd seldom shows up for sell and when it does, it sells in few days max.
But, even for its asking price - it's well worth it.
I owned both ( still have the RWA ) and can asure you that you won't be sorry.

Regards
Mariusz

there are 3 audio dodds for sale on audiogon right now

>>there are 3 audio dodds for sale on audiogon right now<<
Wow.......................it is your call as always.

One thing about Dodd preamp that you should know.
It is not what I would call warmish sounding preamp.
At least not with the stock tubes (JJs).
Swapping JJs for Mullard CV2493's will give you that beautiful midrange with extra texture and well balanced high as well as low frequencies.

Isabella on the other hand is a bit warmer, define from the get go.
It is non-fatiguing, layered/textured with sound characteristics that reminds me of the analog qualities which I learned to love and enjoy.

Johnnie Walker (my favorite scotch) Black and Blue is how I would describe the Dodd and Isabella preamps. Dodd, being more like the Black Label and Isabella with all the flavor and refinement that Blue Label posses.

However I can't stress enough how beneficial and rewarding the addition of RWA Isabellina DAC option truly is. It makes the digital listenable...........no, I won't describe the sound characteristics with useless adjective.
It simply let you enjoy the music and hypnotize at times.

The best money I spend on digital and preamplification ever.

Regards
Mariusz

I would love to the Red Wine Mariusz but its more then double the price of the dodd audio

That is true..........and I do not want to suggest that you spend substantially more then the budget that you feel comfortable with.
Dodd is very, very competitive at its price..........that is without exaduration.
Now, in my personal opinion - it kills most out there.
Isabella might be exception ............... but personal preferences and system synergy plays the big part in choosing the right preamp.
I prefer more lush, rich, texture sound with huge soundstage, infinite layering and air.
Dodd is very neutral. Great design. Extremely quiet. Easy to roll tubes to fit your taste.
..................and it is an awesome value (keeps value as well if you decide to try something else and sell it), no doubt about it.

Mariusz