Even though this is an old thread, gear changes as does what is available to us all after a few years of depreciation and new entry's.
I would add a different take to "the best" from a tight budget perspective versus hi end models. I've had the opportunity to demo or own Classe CP500, ARC LS17se, Modwright SWL9.0se, BAT VK3i, Canary 980 and Pass Labs X1.
My humble little semi-custom YS Audio A2 Balanced Gold preamp is the unit to beat at a meager $1,600 brand new. You can tube roll the heck out of it and it rewards with dividends. Fully balanced, zero negative feedback, tons of XLR connections, balance/gain and remote. One literally would have to spend over $6,000 to beat what this preamp can provide to your system.
Cheers and Happy New Year!
