Upgrading pre amp advice.

@easystreamer : did you see my question (https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2868242) ; )

Do you have experience with this device?

@deep_333 : didn't know Onkyo still existed.

@abd1 : I would like to know why the control amp section of the MU2 is so great (how did they do that without using tubes?) @ericrhodes1 : yeah, there many users who are feeding their Class D power amp with a tube pre amp, the advance can be adjusting the sound by swapping the tubes but many of the preamps mentioned are hard to get in Europe (and it will be a new start for me). It would be nice to look around if there is somebody I can ask to try for some hours/time??

I have owned more amp and preamp combinations than some of you could imagine.  Some of the best from Krell from FPB to Evo to Evolution 1&2's Classe Omega series, Pass Labs XO.2 w/ XA200 and x600, Melos MAR 333 & MAT 1000's Viva, Bryston, Counterpoint, Boulder, ASR, Rogue, Rotel, Joule Electra, VAC, Conrad Johnson, BAT, Jadis, VTL, Threshold, Audionet, Carver, Accuphase, Yamaha, Audio Research and yes Benchmark.  I have had well over $1M invested in my systems after starting of with a $1k System in 1979.  So I know the upgrade cycle.  What I can state is that synergy between components is key!!!  Output impedance to input impedance plays a big role.  My current system is using an upgraded BAT Rex 3 preamp.  The upgrade was done with input from BAT themselves.  I have helped and collaborated with friends that now have a new lease on their BAT gear.  You can find a vk51se or vk32se in the mid $2k range new.  Upgrade the caps with Vcap ODAMs.  It will be a revelation.  The Benchmark just does not have the musicality of what either of these preamps can do with the ODAMs installed.  Here is a quote from a friend who upgraded his Vk51se:

"Well, can it be? Must be since I’m hearing it. Your setup is one thing but mine is OK and I have evoked with it so I know what the cables and etc do. I know what all my setups did and didn’t do. The C3 with the 27.5 and 51SE was special. Added the 5302 and it became tauter and more lively wider soundstage. Now I’m using just the Focal 7” two way with Tdx90 tweeters. Nothing phenomenal but they are hand silver soldered high end crossovers. Well. What is happening I don’t know and cannot describe. It’s the first time ever literally that I got lost in the sound stage. The bass was surrounding me. The treble washing across the back the vocals the vocals are making open my eyes make sure no one is in the room. It does feel a bit peaking in the upper mids by the slightest amount could be room placement or the tweeters. But the sound has gone from analog to digital to now just real pretty much. With the bass extension of the C3 it would be real. John there’s no words. The setup used to be right now it’s breathing and alive really. Hard for me to fathom, just caps? Wow it’s astounding. Like someone took off the brakes. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Well Worth It!!! A budget friendly hidden gem of an upgrade, all in for under $3500.  You can call me if you like. +1 917-304-9800.  I have been here on Audiogon since its inception.  Just trying to help.

@vip428 : thx for your exhaustive answer. I take it from you that the BAT amp is the best for you, but which of the brands you owned came the closest to the sound? Pass Labs, Bryston, Conrad Johnson, Accuphase, Yamaha, Audio Research, Benchmark, Krell?

By the way I did a search on BAT pre amps and found this one : some found BAT rather dry and suggested 'warmer' combination???

Has anyone considered an Audible Illusions tube preamp? Tons of inputs, seperate power supply and dynamic as any preamp I’ve heard. I have gone through a few preamp myself, Aufio Research and other well known names but the Audible Illusions remains in my system to this day. 
   Used models are available frequently on Audiogon and other markets and I think it’s one you should check out. Going back one series from the current model should be within you price range. Audible Illusions also sell totally refurbished models on their web site. Check them out.

Quite the contrary.  The Upgraded BAT preamp is far from dry.  It is just musical and effortless.  All the instrument just flow with pace, rhythm, texture, timbral accuracy that I just have not found elsewhere.  The Pass Labs XO.2 was very neutral as well but it was a little veiled as if a sheer chiffon curtain was placed in front of it.  The Boulder was slightly on the analytical side and was definitely more towards what you term "Dry". Typically a tube based preamp mated with a Solid state amp gave the most appealingly accurate and musical combination.  The while the solid state preamps I have owned mated very well with the SET amps that I have owned, like the Wavac 833 and NAT Magma New to name 2.  Like I said synergy of the system is important.  At your price point and value for the dollar an VCap ODAM upgraded vk32se or vk51se would definitely be in your wheelhouse.  Remember that the most important person to listen to is "You" and your own ears.  I am just giving you insight into what I have had and what has sounded best to me.  Steve Bednarski of BAT came to visit and spent 5hours listening.  Here are his words:

"your system has the best bass I have heard - and the balance of the sound is way up there as well"

Having owned the Benchmark amp/preamp after reading all the hype about its great measured performance, I immediately found the sound engaging but after an hour fatigue set in.  It was very analytical and lacked the texture a flow that I am now look for. The Benchmark amp sounded better with the stock BAT Vk32se I had as a backup at the time than with the Benchmark preamp in my system.  Just like the Benchmark pre did better with the Stock BAT vk55se monos I had at the time. here is a list of all the amps I have personally owned.  I have also audtioned many many more.  My list of Speakers and preamps is also long just so you get an idea.

My Amps

My Amps

Adcom GFA 555
Adcom GFA 585
Accuphase A50
BAT Vk500
BAT VK6200 pair multichannel (2units) 
BAT VK 600se
BAT VK 600mse pair Mono
BAT VK 655se pair Mono Gen3
BAT Vk 655se Gen2
BAT VK 150se 2 pair Mono
BAT VK 55se mono pair
BAT Rex500 (CURRENT)
Boulder 500ae
Boulder 2060
Bryston 4B 
Bryston 28BSST mono pair
Cary SLM200 pair mono
Cary 805c pair mono
Cary 805ae pair mono
Cary 211m pair mono
Cary 1610 pair mono
Cary 300bse sig pair mono
Classe Ca 101
Classe CA 201
Classe CA 301
Classe CA 401
Classe CAV500 multichannel
Classe Omega Omicron
Classe Omega Reference Stereo 2 pair
Classe Omega Reference Mono's 5 total amps (Orig early manufacture)
Classe Omega Reference Mono pair (CURRENT, last year of manufacture)
Conrad Johnson Premier 8a 2 pair mono
Conrad Johnson Premier 11a pair Stereo
Counterpoint SA220 pair stereo
Counterpoint SA 4 OTL/OCL pair mono
Crown Power Line 2
Crown Studio Reference I 
Crown MacroTech 2400
Crown MacroTech 3600vz
Crown K1 3 Stereo/mono (2 active 1 spare CURRENT HT)
Crown K2 4 stereo/mono (2 units CURRENT)
EAD PM7300 pair multichannel (2 units)
EAD PM1000 multichannel
Emotiva XPA-9 Gen3 (CURRENT HT)
Golden Tube Audio SE40 pair stereo
Golden Tube Audio SE100
Jc Verdier 845 luxe  pair mono
Joule Electra Rites of Passage OTL pair mono
Joule Electra Destiny OTL pair mono  (CURRENT)
Kenwood L-07m pair mono
Krell KMA 100 pair mono
Krell 750mcx pair mono
Krell Chorus 7200 multichannel
Krell Evo600 pair mono
Krell Evolution One pair mono
Lexicon GX7
Melos MAT1000 3 pairs mono
McIntosh mc30
McIntosh mc302
Nakamichi PA7 pair stereo
NAT Audio Magma New pair mono
NAT Audio SE1 pair mono
Pass Labs X600
Pass Labs XA200.5
Pass Labs Aleph (4 in Active Rushmore Speakers)
Phase Linear 1000
Plinius Sa250 mkV
Plinius Sa103
Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature
Carver Silver Seven T
Carver Cube
Threshold T800D pair Stereo
VAC 140 (70/70) pair mono
Viva Verona XL pair mono
Yamaha B1 pair mono
Wavac 833 pair mono
Benchmark AHB2

Amps that I have owned!

I know you currently seek a preamp, I just have not compiled a list yet. I am sure I missed a couple.  Just trying to help with your decision.