I'm in the same situation, trying to find a better pre than exists in the AA Prestige SACD. I've tried the ARC Ref 3, the ASL Flora and the ModWright 9.0SE. The Prestige is in my opinion more open with more depth than any of the above. The Ref 3 was notably the least impressive in that it was truly lifeless after almost 500 hours of break in. The Connoisseur has been highly recommended as a worthy candidate. I do agree with the gentleman that the Prestige has a bit of boom in the bass.
