Best preamp for 2k-3k

I love my Cary Audio SLP98P, it's one of the few items I don't look at switching out. I have one of the "hot rodded" F-1 versions that Cary only sells through Upscale Audio, upgraded caps, direct coupled, HT passthrough, and more. Sound is fantastic, deep soundstage, excellent highs, and the dreamy midrange people love from tube pre's. I'm a big fan. I change out gear all of the time, but I've had this preamp 3 yrs, and don't plan on looking at any other pre in the near future. In fact, I like the sound so much I bought a Cary F-1 integrated to match with some Klipsch speakers in a second system.

Good luck.

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 have absolutely no idea what the Dude is. I have heard the Lamm(s), ARC, Audio Horizon, Hovland, Rogue, Bel Canto, Shindo, McIntosh.........

I think the Dude will be on my list to hear before I die. I'm guessing the Cary is still better.

In this price range, I'm still taking the Cary, it's definitely my fav, and has the best build quality and long term value. Well along with the ARC on the long term value, ARC stuff is stellar and really holds it's value as well. Mac holds value as well, and you could find a C2200 in this price range, maybe, I like the Mac sound as well, and build qaulity is great too, but I would still, take the Cary.