$8000 budget on Pre-amp

Bigiron2: I use a BAT VK-300se and agree it's good stuff.
Do you happen to know the vintage of the 6H30 tubes within?
I've been pondering whether to spend the $300 apiece for the
NOS military grade.

No Dweller, I'm sorry I do not

Did you ever demo the KX-5? I'm interested to see if it's anything like the KX-R Twenty given that they both use the diamond output stage.

Music First Baby Reference. Contact the US distributor and see about an in-home trial. Mind-blowingly good.

Bar81, No I have not demo the Ayre, and after my very poor experience with Audio Consultants in Hinsdale IL, I wouldn't even consider giving them any of my money, so unless there is a more respectable dealer in the Chicago area I've given up on Ayre.

Drubin, Thank you for the input, I will look into Music First.

Also had an opportunity to try the Manley Labs 300B that Audioorcale suggested and he is correct, for the price it is an outstanding unit, just lacking the tight bass control & micro detail I heard in the BAT VK-33.