Best preamp for 2k-3k

The Audio Horizon 2.2 can be had for MSRP $2,750. They offer many upgrades on their site if you ever want to take that route. It might not be the best looking unit out there, but its performance more than makes up for that.

Greg

It might not be the best looking unit out there

-IMO that's an understatement. I've always thought, for a preamp trying to compete in the mid-high end arena, and succeeding to a certain degree, they would do much better by putting even a small additional effort and cost into their exterior design and casework.

I've had a number of tube preamps in the past few years including Hovland, Rogue, Audio Horizons, Lamm and a ARC LS-26. It may be synergy thing with my Bryston monoblocks but my preference is:
1. LS-26
2. Lamm Ref2 (this was my favorite but it just had issues in my system and is out of your price range)
3. Lamm LL2 Deluxe
4. Hovland
5. Audio Horizons
6. Rogue Magnum 99

So its all system dependent for sure. I still the best bang for the buck was Lamm LL2 Deluxe.

I heard the Calypso in a friend's system and it was great except that it was finicky on noisy tubes. Never owned a Cary but a few friend's have and they work very well with Cary amps for sure.

Good luck in your search....

Don Allen has a new two tube preamp that is spectacular. It is actually the best I have heard..fantastic dynamics, very natural and balanced sound without any sterility, the bass is spectacular, and the midrange is perfect. All for $850.00! I have heard many of the above named preamps, and this is definitely the best I have heard IMO.