Best Tube Pre-Amp under 4K

Here are four options I would consider at that price point (or slightly less used):

1) TRL (Tube Research Labs) 'The Dude' should definitely be considered at this price point- I thought it was fantastic.

2) Air Tight ATC-2 (plus you'll have change left over with this option). Wonderfully 'organic'- slightly smaller staging than the TRL unit though.

3) Herron VSTP-3A would also be an intriguing choice at that price point- great reviews but have not heard it myself yet.

4)Lamm LL2.1 deluxe- my friend has the orig. L1 which I have heard- some great magic in these Lamm preamps...

Tube Research Dude. Audio Valve Eklipse . Dodd Battery powerd preamp. I have owned all three --- all are fabulous. Look for pre-owned units as all are well built and will keep you well within your budget.

I owned a C-J Premier 16LS for many years and loved it. They can be found here for around $3200.00.

Thanks all, keep it coming, appreciate it. have a hard time finding where don allen is sold? also, it seems the conrad johnson gets some great reviews at about 2500.

Just so you know there is a Conrad Johnson Premier 16LS and 16 LS II which have about a 1000 difference in price

I can tell you that I have heard a Premier 16 LS II for about 10 years at a friends house and it has gone back for service twice. Once because he put to much silver contact cleaner on an RCA and it had to be replaced, and I forget the other reason. Both times fixed right and in a timely manner, and it seems pretty much bullet proof.

What can I say Im biased toward CJ but between ED at CJ and Bill Thallman these things will last forever and can upgraded as your budget allows