Best Options For A Tubed Preamp - $2500 Or Less, Preferably Used To Maximize Value

audiophile1 said:

"What amplifier will the preamp drive? What is the amplifier gain and input impedance? Do you need XLR connections? 
There’s no one answer. You have to match the preamp to your amp."

The amp, while very high quality is a very little know cult model. And I do clearly understand preamp/power amp matching. XLR connections are not needed, The amplifier spec of importance is:

amplifier input impedance 180k ohms

I appreciate the Audio Research LS suggestions, but it's always been my understanding that, being true balanced designs, you need a power amplifier thats also XLR to truly reach the best performance level. My amplifier is purely single ended. 

hilde45

Said:

"If you can wait for it to pop up used -- and it does -- the deHavilland Ultraverve III is in the price range and very much worth the wait."

I have heard great things about the deHavilland preamp in the past. Honestly, if there were one available, I would have snatched it up before even beginning this discussion. However, a check I made at hifishark.com indicates that exactly one of these has been sold online since September of 2022. Not great odds of finding one. and I can only go so long without a preamp:(

curiousjim

Said: 

"Audio Research has a really warm sound. I saw an LS28 that sold for $3250 a couple of weeks ago.

All the best."

Thanks for the recommendation. Excellent preamp but unfortunately just above what I can spend. The price limit of $2500.00 is as far as I can go at this point in time. I just had to replace a furnace at the cost of $6500.00 two weeks ago. :(

My only filter was items for sale/sold in North America. It showed one sold in August of 2023, and the last one before that in August of 2-22! I just realized that my search did not include ones people labeled Ultraverve 3 vs III, that appears to be the issue. 

Here is the link:

hilde45

@nightfall Search terms can be tricky. Try searching for just dehavilland.

"Anyway, you sound like you’re wanting something faster than that, but for me, this is an end-game model."

I would certainly like something sooner, but may hold out a bit in hopes a deHavilland pops up. I just have the feeling it may well be my best option. And affordable too.

Other options I am considering are the very highly thought of Lab 12 Pre 1, which I can buy new in my budget, a used Cary SLP-98L, a classic Conrad Johnson, and a Backert Rhumba 1.1.