Pre-amp Recommendations: Linn, Meridian , AVI?

Hi, am looking for suggestions on second-hand pre-amps.
I currently using a valve amp which although sounds great is unreliable & requires constant repairs.
As always am looking for champagne on a beer budget.
Possibly Linn LK1 or Meridian 201, maybe even AVI S2000?
All experiences & recommendations are welcome.

 

Personally I would hop over the LK1 - can you stretch to a used Kairn? It's an excellent preamp and should go for a good price since a lot of the attention is on the AV range these days. Not all versions have phono. Another OK one with phono is the Kolektor. Couldn't tell you about the other brands.

 

ATC?

http://www.atc.gb.net/ca2/ca2.html

 

If you're looking at Meridian, don't overlook the 100 series stuff - very cheap and excellent quality too. I know it can sometimes be a red rag to a bull mentioning it, but it may also be worth considering older (chrome edged) Naim stuff too - again, very cheap and top notch pre-amps for the money.

 

Thanks for the responses. Would love to get a Kairn but they go for a bit over my budget, Kolektors seem a bit rare (not as popular?), but worth a look. ATC looks great but a bit on the high side price wise. Keep suggestions coming...