I am going to be upgrading my home studio's mic preamps. I have been
using the preamps in my MOTU interface and in my SoundCraft Spirit
mixer, but I have always found them lacking a bit in detail and a bit
"harsh" sounding with certain mics, especially my AKG C414TLII.

My budget is around $3,000.00.

I would be interested in hearing TWO things:

1) What do you consider to be a good "all around" mic pre.

2) Some specifics on why you recommend that mic pre.

Thanks in advance...