Price: $14,000

Website: www.mcintoshlabs.com

Aron said: Designed to be the center of any high-quality audio rig, the C1100 offers myriad analog and control connections, MC and MM phono stages, exemplary build quality, luxurious yet intuitive ergonomics, and a rich, inviting sound.

Read the SoundStage! Ultra review.

The gist: Full-featured and great-sounding preamp from the classic American company.