best preamps

“...They are the audiophile "glitz brigade" and are only interested in presenting their shiny equipment up on a pedestals.”

It takes one to know one....Another completely useless post from the regular bystander.

Speaking of pedestals...I recently noticed that somebody is marketing a turntable pedestal...sort of like a  3 foot high speaker stand, but for turntables. That is simply the worst idea I've see in a while, and I'm glad I've been given an opportunity to mention it. Now, back to the previously scheduled program.

I’ve been very happy with VTL tube preamps for many years.
Had the TL-2.5 & recently upgraded to the TL-5.5
Roll some tubes & they get even better...

If I had an unlimited budget?  

I would not be here to let you know. ;)

Incomplete without mentioning Luxman C-900u. In addition the ML 523 is superlative. The designers of these two units spared no expense in these two awesome units and sonically it shows. Anyone would find happiness here.