Jwtrace,
I was actually considering Gilbert's BC303 DWBB which is their tube based flagship pre. Although it is a production unit, Gilbert still does not have any propaganda on his site and Im not sure that he really intends on putting anything up. Because the 303 is a built to order, there was no way for me to try it in my home. Instead, my dealer delivered the 3000 and 109 so that I could get a flavour of tube vs SS in my system.
Its safe to say that I would have been more than happy to have the 3000 in my system. I imagine the 303 would be another big step forward, which is incredible considering how the 3000 easily trounced the pre section in the DCC2.
The 109 does not sound anything like a typical SS unit. It has a purity and delicacy (and humanness) about it that was very intoxicating. I imagine this has a lot to do with the power supply and how this pre does not have to be connected to the grid when it is being used. If I had to compare the two, the 3000 is more about texture and timbre whereas the 109 is about speed, purity and micro/macro dynamics. Dont get me wrong, its not like one lacks in any area - both are simply wonderful.
The unit I settled on is a much customized 109 that is specd as close as possible to the Pinkie prototype. It has 2800F which is a a lot of capacitors and can run for over 2 days on a single charge. It will also have a new remote volume control that I asked Gilbert to design.