looking for ideas on a tube pre amp


I recently purchased a new pair of Focal Sopra #3 speakers and would like to try a tube pre amp with them. My main listening speakers have been Magnepan 20.1s with upgraded x overs for several years I purchased the Focals mostly to give my listening room a breath of fresh air even though I doubt I will ever part with my Maggies. I am currently using the Parasound JC2 preamp with the JC1 amps and mostly XLR cables so it would be nice to have a pre with XLR connections, I have been looking at the Audio research pre amps it would be nice to from someone that has tried several pre amps, I am giving myself a budget of about $2500. 
jeff99
+ one for Atma-sphere Amplifiers and Pre-Amps. In my opinion they are world class products. Iv been a dealer for them and compared them to many products in the USA and EU as well as asian products. To my ears nothing sounds better. Not only is Ralphs commitment to his client outstanding his products are ultra reliable and will give you years if not decades of musical pleasure.
I've run a Rogue Audio M99 Super Magnum tube preamp with Focal floor standers and it calmed them down quite a bit.  Still Focal revealing and transparent sound but warmer...

Rogue RP 1 or the RP 5 made in America both great preamp's at their price point. You can call Bill at Rogue he'll be happy to answer any questions you have. 
Check out the Dehavilland Ultraverve 3. 
It's an all tube design using the robust sounding 6sn7 tube in signal path along with tube power supply. This pre provides big pure tone great bass and very well detailed. It can be bought with or without remote. I own this pre and am very pleased with my remote version. It's very quiet. I've owned the atma-sphere MP3 and was not happy with it. It is not a quiet preamp. The dehavilland Ultraverve 3 is never bright and never boring. It's a great sounding pre for $2500. I recommend giving Kara a call with any questions. She's very friendly and easy to talk to.