Price: $9000

Website: www.wellsaudio.com

Jeff S. said: The Commander Level II is not inexpensive at $9000, but I don’t recall having ever owned a preamp anywhere near its price that sounded as good, and that includes many that cost considerably more.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Ultra review.

The gist: Boutique preamp with terrific sonics.