CALLING ALL GEAR SNOBS!!!

That kinda depends on your budget I would think. In the 3 digit range, I like my new Digimax LT (or its big brother Digimax 96 which has more functionality). If you're reaching deep into your pockets (deeper than mine will go) you will probably be looking at Apogee. You will find many threads on this subject with a simple search.

P.S., that's Gear Slutz, btw

Focusrite Liquid Channel. I can not live without it.

Avalon 737. One of the places I work out of has all of the ones that you mention and some other great pre's (esp. Neve and API) but I find myself reaching for the 737 more often than not. I'm trying to save the dough for one. They're all great, but for an all-around go-to piece of gear, IMHO, the 737 can't be beat.

the isa 430 is nice , INMO for signals that you wouldent like to pump up , it has a very clear natural sound , it works wonfers on key's and stuff that allready has a big freq responce , but it dosent add the warm sound that we are all after , so you have to decide if you are looking for warmth or clearity , both are wonderfull but it depndes on the music you r making . this is no such thing as a preamp that does it all in one b, belive me i searched all around , but i just finsished an album in a studio that has the Avalon 737 , the ISA430 , universal 1773 , those three are wicked stuff , but we ended up using the Telefunken pre amps WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW, not easy to find , you can search Ebay if you find one get one , unbelivebale sound , vocals sweet and warm , SNR - puncy and ready to mix , bass clear and nit . really!!!! try it . by the way : i think that the black crows are using the Manely VOXBOX , wonders for rock vocals