There are certainly a lot of great preamps in the $2-$5K range as I've discovered. I've identified about 10 that I am interested, both solids and tubes. Of the systems that I've heard that I like best within my price range, I prefer the combo of SS amp and tube pres (so far). To my ear a solid amp has more speed and energy than a similarly priced tube setup. I have a large room and I do like to listen at high levels from time to time.
The biggest issue is trying to find a dealer who sells boutique gear and audition it. Much of it has very limited regional availability. Getting it into my system to hear it is challenging. I appreciate all the suggestions of swapping out my amp and pre for tubes, but I'm not in a position, nor am I inclined to change two components at once. My main goals are to gain increased transparency and open up the soundstage with better imaging. I value detail pretty highly.
Right now I'm quite curious about the Mystere CA21, the Manley Jumbo Shrimp on the tube side and the Jeff Rowland Design Capri and the Wyred STP-SE on the solid side.
The biggest issue is trying to find a dealer who sells boutique gear and audition it. Much of it has very limited regional availability. Getting it into my system to hear it is challenging. I appreciate all the suggestions of swapping out my amp and pre for tubes, but I'm not in a position, nor am I inclined to change two components at once. My main goals are to gain increased transparency and open up the soundstage with better imaging. I value detail pretty highly.
Right now I'm quite curious about the Mystere CA21, the Manley Jumbo Shrimp on the tube side and the Jeff Rowland Design Capri and the Wyred STP-SE on the solid side.