Can any preamps for $2-3k touch Auregies-L?

I have heard all Shindo from the Auregies to the Vosne Romanee. I currently own the Vosne Romanee. You get more of what the Auregies does as you go up the line. I of course have not heard all preamps and that includes the Valvet mentioned above. I have though compared Shindo to previous preamps that I have owned Lamm LL1, Lamm L2, Hovland HP100, and Wytech Opal and IMHO the Shindo preamps are far better than any of these in musicality and detail. I would try and get one with a phono as I feel the internal phono stages are as good as most top end stand alone phonos.

Gopher I can't answer your question as to whether a 2-3K pre-amp with phono can touch your beloved Shindo but I can make a recommendation, the "Preamp Deal of the Century" Supratek Syrah used or Chenin new in this range. Full function with plenty of gain for MC. It uses 6SN7 tubes in the pre out, is dynamic, resolving and most importantly emminently musical, a trancendent product in this price range, IMHO. Whether it ultimately has the magic of the Shindo to your ears, only you can answer that. The question and cavaet is whether Mick Maloney is still making these handmade gems. I believe he took a brief haitus from building but you really might want to investigate further and check out the thread if you haven't for user opinions and further info on availability. I purchased mine new in 2003 and I am still in love. Better out there, yes I'm sure, however that might be described, a bit more resolution would be my thinking but I can't imagine what the price would be and I doubt more musically involving in this price range, great bass, extended highs and a lovely midrange. If you can possibly hear one from someone near you, it might be worthwhile for you to investigate a bit further, I have a strong suspicion the Supratek would "touch" the Auregies-L for sure.

Has anyone heard the Primaluna 6 and 7 monoblocks, and how would they rate them in comparison to other amps in the 3K range.

You are likely to get a lot more relevant responses to the Primaluna amplifier question in a new thread, the subject line would not lead people to you, especially Primaluna amplifier owners.

a used TRL Dude should be in the higher end of that price range and i found it better than the Auregies-L.