Most Rockingest Preamp south of $2k used


I'm curious if anyone knows of, has heard about or owns a preamp that simply does the most justice to rock n roll, under $2k (or more) used. The one SS pre I owned (Odyssey) seemed a bit light in the mids and bass, arguably the two most important components to rock. Then I went tubes, and I think it's in the right direction. Regardless of SS or tube, I would think the ultimate rock pre would be a PRAT king, maybe even pushing the beat a little, certainly not laid back, with great bass, mids and dimensionality and overall musicality (vs analytical). Am I missing anything?

I'm tired of putting the cart before the horse -- researching what's for sale on agon as opposed to having a few models to look out for and keeping an eye out for them. Who's got a say in the most rockingest pre?
tholt
Are you going new or used? If you can get hold of one I would say its worth an audition. Within the huge category of "rock" that I primarily listen to there are variables -- voice type (and sex) of singer, acoustic, electric, intimate, driving, various sound effects etc. It all sounds very, very good. While it doesn't have the hard slam I've heard before, bass is still very strong and satisfying. I would think the Shindo would sound just as good with other music types. It has an engaging quality to it. I'm off the hunt.
New or used? Either way, but I'd like to get the Aurieges with phono stage. I have a library of LP's that I haven't listened to in (many) years. I'll be in the Bay area in a couple of month's and plan to give Matt at Pitch Perfect a call to audition one. Should be fun. Good to hear your "off the hunt" and thanks for your thoughts.
Matt's a nice guy. I'm almost afraid to go listen to his stuff, I would likely come home depressed.
Tholt i'm glad you finally found a preamp you're happy with, im trying to find a dealer in the Los Angeles area that carries the Shindo Labs gear, i've been reading lots of rave reviews and it sounds like it might be exactly what i've been looking for, thanks again for all your help.
Hey no worries. I think you helped yourself quite a bit as well! Hope to run into you in some threads in the future. It's cool to find like-minded audio-fools.

You prob have read up on Shindo gear in general. I'm always drawn to things that have some sort of off-the-beaten path, special-ness about them, if you will. Shindo gear is revered. When I found a used Aurieges L, I jumped on it just to hear the hype, and fortunately I can. I think you'd be pleased as well, however as I said, I don't think it's got the 'rock' qualities up front like the Rogues or the Manleys (or perhaps the others mentioned here) I mentioned. That being said, it plays rock, and all other types of music I've thrown at it, with a very engaging and enjoyable quality. I certainly don't find it lacking.

Let me know what you come up with. Good luck