Audio Research

http://kahlaudio.com/products/audio-research-ls-15-tube-stereo-preamp-high-achieving-inexpensive-pre...

appears it was only $1,500 new - so $1,300 now is a lot

I like Audio Research and have the LS25 Mk II, paired with a Sunfire SS amp

The LS15 was $2995.00 at retail new.

http://www.arcdb.ws/LS15/LS15.html

IMHO, the LS 15 is a pretty decent preamp with the right tubes.  I do think that the $1300.00 asking price is a little high.

So, I guess the question is what pre-amp will do better at a tad over 1k...

there were actually two versions of the LS-15 though never a mk2 designation...the easiest way to tell is the second version had a removeable power cord, in addition to better caps and an improved power supply...ARC used to offer the upgrade (75%) of it...

the second version was a nice, low cost upgrade...I had mine upgraded by ARC then moved to the LS25mkll which I liked a lot better...