Best preamp for 2k-3k

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'm still taking the Cary SLP98 in this price range, and I have heard all of those mentioned.

There's a reason that Cary has had this preamp in production for so long, it's really, really good.

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.

Macdadtexas

You have heard the TRL Dude vs the Cary in a system?

I like the Cary and have owned it, as good as it is the Dude really stood outvs the Cary.

Did you really listen to the Dude?