What's the best Preamp??

Conrad Johnson Premier 3 hands down with good ol stock Telefunkens or Mullards.

I have heard the AVM20 and was very, very impressed. The Anthem product competes well with many, more expensive products. In an HT set-up, the AVM20 is nothing short of superb and does not give back much in two channel. Putting the value equation aside, I think it is an excellent choice. Factoring in the cost and functionality, I think it is without peer. In the interest of full disclosure, after demoing the AVM, I opted for the Krell HTS 2 because I thought the 2 channel was much better. Of course, the cost was much more also.

Integra Research RDC-7
Upsampling.
Apogee Anti Jitter Clock
Colaboration among top Japanese engineers, Apogee of California and Balanced Audio Technologies
Reference Pre of 2 major Audio Publications
THX EX Pro Logic II
Top 24/192hz Dacs all channels.
Awsome Dolby digtal and DTS.
Two channel stereo that will blow your socks off.
Otherwise it just sucks. just kidding. Own it, love it.