best preamp ever - cost is no object

You must check out the Boulder 2010. The attributes of the well-known Boulder 2008 phono stage are the same for the 2010 - that is massive detail, natural dynamics, harmonic and timbral accuracy, and huge soundstage. And the sheer beauty of sound and eminent musicality is just icing on the cake!

I have the 2010 Boulder Pre along with the 2050 Monos. I have to say that I haven't listened to many of the above listed well-respected names, but all I can say is it's a GREAT preamp, no sound colorations, very fast and very natural. It is at least 2 classes above than my previous ML Ref. Preamp. Yes, it's insanely expensive (but so are the most of the above) but you'll love it...

the darTZeel NHB-18NS is the best i've heard; and i've heard many listed so far. battery powered and including a world class phono stage and remote volume control it is hard to beat. if you are using a darTZeel amp you can use the 'cheap' 50 ohm BNC 'zeel' cables which likely humble any other interconnects and can somewhat pay for much of the upgrade if you have a long run of expensive cable between pre and amps. since it is battery powered it doesn't matter what power cord is used....saving more money and simplifying setup.

the darTZeel does not sound like solid state or tubes....it sounds like the source it is fed....and yet it is easily the most dynamic preamp (you have not heard dynamics until you hear battery power) and has the lowest noise floor i have heard.

it should be on any short list of best preamps ever.

The new AYON,looks to be the newest kid on the block.Built in phonostage,with parts quality,to die for.You simply "have to have it" Mike L."!!I want a full report,by July!!

Also consider the Boulder 1000 series preamps. This is the first Boulder product I owned before replacing it with the 2010 preamp. I find the Boulder 1000 series to offer much of the quality of 2000 series in the areas of neutrality, musicality, and timbral accuracy. Where they are different is in dynamics and soundstage depth. The 2000 series offers very natural changes in dynamics - or said another way - the music ebbs and flows as live music does. The soundstage in the 2000 series also has greater depth and layering, and even more detail without loss of musicality. But the 1000 series offers fantastic sound in these areas too, bettering most competitors. The improvements offered by the 2000 series are not proportionate to the increase in price over the 1000 series, at least in my opinion. However, you posed the question about the best preamp, regardless of price...