I have got to suggest the Audible Illusions L-2. It is one great sounding preamp. The circuit is so simple. No excess baggage. It does have home theater pass thru and AI is working on a phono board for it as I write this. Should be available soon.
I have compared it to numerous preamps in my on system. It is very, very neutral for a tube based preamp. It also covers the frequency extremes well. Sounstaging, imaging, etc. are as good as I have heard. Dynamics are rendered realistically. It is also extremely quiet and well built.
If you get a chance to demo one do so and don't be afraid to compare it to any preamp at any price. At $2495, you might just save yourself a few bucks.
I have compared it to numerous preamps in my on system. It is very, very neutral for a tube based preamp. It also covers the frequency extremes well. Sounstaging, imaging, etc. are as good as I have heard. Dynamics are rendered realistically. It is also extremely quiet and well built.
If you get a chance to demo one do so and don't be afraid to compare it to any preamp at any price. At $2495, you might just save yourself a few bucks.