Cannot go wrong with a properly cared for (maybe upgraded a bit) CJ. 

I also want to echo the recommendation for Modwright LS100. 
I use a pair of Ken-Rad 6SN7 with mine and it’s fantastic. 
Another preamp that I use regularly and highly recommend is a Cary Audio SLP 98, also another 6SN7 based preamp. 
Both has phonos and I bought them used within the price range you’re looking for. 

+++1 for Aric Audio Super 6SN7 ($4,000) or Motherlode II ($5,400) and for Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp ($5,500). 

I have never heard one in my own system (only in a fellow hobbyists), but the Supratek preamps are also excellent. They have a bunch of models from $2,500 to $6,000

The Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme (NOT the base Rhumba as it it not in the same ballpark in SQ) is also a great preamp at $8,500, as is the the BAT VK-80 at $10,000

I personally prefer 6SN7 based preamps (Aric Audio, Don Sachs/Lynn Olson, Supratek), as they seem to match my tastes best.....but the Rhumba Extreme and BAT were excellent using other topologies.

I tested all of the above preamps except the Supratek, and in the end purchased the Aric Audio Motherlode XL. I have since heard the Supratek Cabernet, and it is excellent as well.

I'm still pretty new to a CJ 17LS2 for a couple of months. Prior to that I had been using an Aric Audio Unlimited II in the main system. I have kept the Aric, as he no longer has it on offer, and because I like both the preamp and its tube collection.

The fun thing with this thread is that that the recommendations are great. If the right deal came along for a Linear Tube Audio, Don Sachs, Supratek, or Backert came along, they all seem like they'd be pieces worthy of trial.

If you are looking for remote, dynamics, speed, and transparency, maybe there's a Linear Tube Audio preamp in your future. I'd be happy to give one some shelf space for a while, without a doubt. Maybe others would fill the spec as well, or offer other strengths. LTA seems relatively uncommon on the used market, but so does Backert.

My Conrad Johnson is going to stay awhile, until the next thing. I just put a quad of Vokshods in for the ride.

Don Sachs!

Greetings,  I’m likely listing my Supratek Cabernet if you want to chat.  Thanks

Brian

Hi,

I own both versions of Quicksilver line preamps (non-remote and remote) and I thing you have to spend 3/4 times of what they cost to get a better sound from a preamp.

No phono stage. The non-remote sound marginally better.

@kckrs

I have a Don Sachs all in pre with premium Dawning Series we6sn7plus tubes that I'm putting up for sale if you might be interested.  It has served me well with everything I have ever mated it to.  Contact me if you might be interested.

De Havilland Mercury 3 preamplifier

Kara Chaffee, designer,  sent me a new set of tubes.  I installed and well....great.  Still didn't like the bass.  A bit muddled for my tastes.  She then suggested  replacement of the rectifier tube.  Even sent me a link on eBay for it.  

NOS SYLVANIA JAN-CHS 5931 5U4G Rectifier Tube Triple Mica.  

She said she liked the tube.  Game changer for those with this preamplifier.  Addressed the bass issues and improved everything else.  Thank you Kara.
 

My experience with her piece.  Best of luck.

Might want to consider a TVC, particularly if you do not need the additional amplification of a preamp.  Several advantages, likely discussed in other threads.

@kckrs re: ‘And the need to have tube replacement done at the factory seems extreme’,  I’ve owned ARC amps and preamps for over 35 years. I’ve had no issues replacing my own tubes. 

Might research a Rogue RP-5.  They can be had for around $3k

Plus 1 for Aric Audio 

https://aricaudio.com

Without knowing the amps, no one can make a good recommendation.  You need to look at the electrical properties of the amp and make sure you are getting the voltage, impedance and gain from the preamp that is appropriate for those amps.

when you have mismatched equipment, sounds tends to be thin.  There are some preamps with variable gain which could help as well.  

rmdmoore, don sachs builds VTA ph-16 and SP-14 kits from tubeseforhifi. the tube type is already picked out for him. 

van alstine fet valve CFR

My experience is that the type of tube in the preamp plays a huge role in how it actually sounds. My personal preference is a 6SN7. These are what Don Sachs uses in his design. I had a model 3 for a period of time and it was truly a sublime sounding amp. I ended up switching to a ModWright LS100 for a balance adjustment knob and am equally if not more happy with that based on the build quality over all. I think based k. What you're looking for, a 6sn7 based pre will do you well

I have an Audio Research LS27.  Sounds fantastic and has remote control.  Simple to change the tubes yourself if you feel the need.

Call Brandon,

He makes an amazing 300B preamp.

https://www.apolloaudiosystems.com

dehavilland UltraVerve 3 remote

Big question is do you need a phono section?

all of the audio research sp series had phono stage

newer reference series does not

i would recommend sp 6 or sp 20

sp 6 does not balanced outputs 

not sure about sp 20

My main preamp for years was a conrad-johnson PV-14L tube preamp. I still feel that it's a good preamp for the money. 

I had a conrad-johnson Premier 17LS2 for a few weeks. It had an issue that caused static in one channel, so I returned it.  I thought it was nice until I bought my Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp.  The LTA was noticeably better.  I got lucky and found a lightly used LTA. 

Don sachs

Din sachs 2-3k range. Sublime. 

I’ve certainly given thought on Audio Research but I get lost with their many

models. And the need to have tube replacement done at the factory seems extreme. Assuming this applies to preamps as it does their power amps.

Don Sachs pieces seem to have a good following, reputation also.

dehavilland

I agree with soix. CJs have a lush sound.Linear Tube Audio would be closer to what you're looking for. Yes,I've owned both:-)

dynamic with speed and detail and transparency

I’d look for a used Linear Tube Audio MZ3 or a Backert Rhumba, and I doubt you’ll find what you’re looking for with CJ.  Best of luck. 

Thank you Gents.

Aric is a builder I have noted and corresponded with in the past. Good idea.

My Audio Mirror uses small Russian signal tubes like a 6n1p or the like. It is not based around the 6922. Model is T61 I believe.

If you have the 6922 based Audio Mirror have you rolled the tubes?

DeKay

Any of Aric Audio's tube preamps would be a great investment either new or pre-owned. Most of them have adjustable gain which is helpful with amp pairing.