Back to tubes?

Hey Krys, as I said, by the time this OP ends, the members will recommend every pre out there! LOL

Bifwynne, you're probably right but I really appreciate being reintroduced to the tube equipment out there right now.
I'll have to see what's available for audition in my area as well.
I do have an easy lead on a Ref 5 or VTL 7.5 so I am particularly interested in opinions of those pieces.

How about no preamp? I know not always feasible (and much more diffiult with analogue gear) but if you are beginning "the search", why limit yourself?

I run my digital gear direct to amps but have a linestage for my phone/tape/tuner (I switch cables at the amps) which I was also considering upgrading and my top 2 contenders (for my budget) were the Ref 3 (used) and Shindo. The Shindo would have been my decision. Shindo gear (preamp and amps - they love synergy) into high sensitivity speakers is an incredible match.

For me - I will never ever put a preamp between my digital sources and amps again, ever.

your boulder pre is a classic....

Cerrot, I am considering that option also. There is certainly no preamp like no preamp.

Jaybo, I love the 1012 but no longer need the inboard phonostage or DAC. I might just succumb and get a 2010 but peerless though it may be, it certainly exemplifies the law of diminishing returns.

Sounds like Shindo should be on the short list for auditions,