I have owned a few preamps and two of them in the 4K price range. I now use the $1100 linear tube audio Micro ZOTL2 as my preamp. This pre is mainly intended to be a head phone amp and a good one it is but it is the best preamp I've ever heard period. The transformer less design is so pure and distortion free it is unlike anything I've heard. It is the latest creation from the genius of David Berning.
Climbing the Preamp ladder
Bat vk-3, Manley Shrimp, and am currently using a Bat vk3-ix. you see I like tubes. what is a good step up? not just different. I use a Rogue stereo 90 tube amp with Aerial 8 speakers. I have a musical fidelity m1 transport and a wadia 121 DAC. I would like to stay under $2500.
thanks for everything in advance.