i posted earlier about speakers; I'm going with the omega super alnicos (Louis at omega recommended, as did several of you.)

My question now is: what's the best pre-amp for my system?

I have a SE84UFO2.1, a merason mkII dac, a lumin streamer and rel s812 subs.

Thanks.

thanks. not sure it would work. i have a SE84UFO2.1, a merason mkII dac, a lumin streamer and rel s812 subs with the omega super alnico speakers

You've asked "What is the best pre-amp"...could you be a little more specific about your needs and expectations to better define "best"?

If you require a pre-amp as a means to connect multiple sources, then the ZRock3 would not be the solution. For that I recommend the ZTPre.

But if you are looking to improve the sound quality from your Merason DAC1 Mk II and SE84UFO2.1, please reconsider the ZRock3. Fully modded with foil signal and level2 power caps and VR tube, the signal quality will match your DAC (and amp if it has the anniversary mods).

More importantly, the rear dial provides gain attenuation between your DAC and amp that allows you to dial in the sweet spot with each preferred tube choice.

Separately, the dial on the front controls the character of the tube buffer, from unity gain adding perfect midrange naturalness, clarity, and focus, while dialing it up increases the improvement in bass response.

This is really a Jack and the Bean Stalk device, from beans to the golden eggs. It is priced right, built on the quick list so you'll receive it in 6 to 9 months rather than 3+ years, and if you decide you don't hear what you hoped, you can easily sell it and recoup the cost.