"Kalman Rubinson" wrote

I have an Adcom GFA-555 power amp... so I'm
willing to consider a preamp costing up to, say,
$1500 *if* spending that sort of money will buy
me considerably improved sound (i.e.,
transparency).

How about a used Audio Research or Conrad-Johnson?

Excellent suggestion.

Yes, although someone who expects to hang onto things
indefinitely and expects cheap/free service should also
consider Bryston. Excellent quality and a transferable
20 year warrantee.

If we're including fall-back offerings (SS)... add to
the short list Pass Laboratories and Krell. Also
possible, Mark Levinson if you can tolerate funky
RCA adaptors .