Help in deciding which tube preamp to replace my old SFL-2


I'm a long time audiophile. I am finally admitting that it is time to upgrade my tube preamp. For many years it has been my beloved Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 which was upgraded at Parts Connexxion about eight years ago and five years ago I changed out the 6922's to Siemens Rohre CCA tubes. Still sounds wonderful, but it's time. I am exclusively a vinyl listener and my system is: Nottingham table with Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum cartridge. Aesthetix Rhea Signature phono preamp fed to the SFL-2 via  balanced interconnects. Primaluna EVO 400's as monoblocks with new KT88's and vintage European small tubes. I also still have my Levinson 27.5 and 23 SS amps. Speakers are Avalon Acoustics Opus. All cables are Transparent Audio Ultras. Musical preference is mostly classic rock; Steely Dan, Dire Straits, Cars, Eric Clapton, etc... but have over 3,000 LP's and do listen to Sinatra quite often. Love string guitars. I plan to buy used, and my budget is around $10K. I've narrowed it down to the following: VTL 7.5 (III), CJ GAT, AR Ref 5SE of Ref 6, Concert Fidelity CF-080 LSX V3, or an Aesthetix Callstio Eclipse.

I respect all comments, criticisms, and suggestions. Thank you.

awise1961

What improvements are you looking for, and what sound characteristics are most important to you?

I'm desiring a more dynamic and expansive soundstage. With that, I have decided on an Aesthetix Callisto Eclipse. Negotiations are done, I'm just waiting on the final shipping cost so that I can send the funds. I already have an Aesthetix Rhea Signature phono pre. The Callisto allows me to stay with balanced interconnects and uses tubes which I have in my collection of vintage NOS pieces. Luckily I have the space available for this new beast. It has three chassis, two of which weighing in at 50 pounds each.