I don't know if it's the best, but I am using a Sytek MP4ii. It is very clean and you have 4 channels of very high quality preamps for around $800 (directly from them on ebay). If you want an excellent single channel pre, you might want to check out the FMR Really Nice Mic Pre. I've not heard it, but the reviews have been very favorable. I can definately recommend staying away from a tube pre of any kind with the T3, because that would be tube overkill - it has the right amount of tube already, so go for a clean (non-tube) amp. I love my T3 and have gotten good results with the Sytek. Good luck in your search.

Rob

The FMR RNP is actually a two channel mic pre. Probably the best price vs. quality pre anywhere. I also have a grace design 101 (which is also solid state) which i'm very pleased with. One channel for a little under $600 most places. Very transparent with maybe even a seemingly slight brithening effect. It's not adding highs, just reproduces them very accurately. I have a dbx 386, a two channel (they also make the 376, same price channel strip). I bought it so i could add two more simultaneous recording tracks to my Detla 1010 through it's SPDIF. Not too impressive. It's supposed to emulate tape saturation when you drive the output, but magneto kicks it's ass.

Jason

Jason

Originally posted by didzejzefir:
What would the best pre amp be for the Studio Projects T3. I looking at speding 600-1000$$... and what about for the AT 4040...

Might give Vintech a call. I love my Neve 1073's. You may find they have someting in your price range. YOu should also look at some used ones as well if you can swing the price. The T3 is killer on the 1073's...

I use my T3 with an Audix 35102. Class A, discrete, very clean. A good match.