Tube preamp recommendations $3K-$7K range

Interesting thread, one that pops up a lot.  I second Soix advice on the Don Sach's preamp.   I got one of the first-gen versions, now with most of the current-generation upgrades ,and can wish for no better preamp.   It bettered the less expensive Modwright preamp I had at the time.   Don Sachs believes that there is magic in using 6SN7 tubes and I completely agree.  Check out Don Sachs' website for more information.  For under $3K, you can get his preamp with all the latest revisions.   

a used Audio Research - my LS25 Mk II cost $2,500 with new select tubes in it - less than your minimum

a friend got an LS28 new and loves it

lots of used ARC every time they bring out a new pre- just start looking

I expect (w/o listening to each next to one another) that it will be lots better than Halfer, modded or not - Hafler was great price-performance gear in its day, and very very good overall, but R&D marches on

@whitestix Don Sachs’ gear does look interesting. IHave you ever heard his phono stage?

Later model Audio Research. If you want a pre that’s got the tube magic but is not too tubey sounding, these are great. It’s what I buy as well.

@cantorgale - I was in the same situation as you, that is, looking for a high quality preamp that would match my system, albeit at a lower cap than you set. I too was intrigued by the positive press that Backert has received, to the point that I took a chance on a Backert Labs Rhumba 1.2 (base model, not the Extreme). How can I not, with the 14 day return policy (the preamps are said to be “run in” for a bunch of hours before they are shipped, so you should get a good flavor of the preamp during an audition).

My system is nothing like yours, but my goal was to simply maintain my system’s sonic qualities while adding a touch of gain, and a touch of midrange and soundstage bloom.  My benchmark was “no preamp” in the system, i.e. my ExaSound E32 DAC connected directly to my Coincident Frankenstein 300b SET monoblocks. The speed, detail, coherency, and palpability were already there that lead to a highly engaging auditory experience, but yet there was just a little somethin’ missing. Enter the Rhumba, and let me tell you that it’s exactly what the doctor ordered! 

Not only have I maintained what I already had in my system (I would call this transparency), but I also added what I thought / knew was missing. I now have a more “energetic” and a fuller sound, voices have added a body, and the soundstage grew in all directions. I also have a better, stronger transient / dynamic response, and on top of all that, my bass grew stronger and tighter. Yes, that’s what the Rhumba added to my system, but yet, it has taken away nothing.

I totally agree with @hifiman5 about the fact if you are looking for a euphonic, colored, tubey preamp look elsewhere. If you want transparency, speed, detail, coherency, truth, etc, try out the Backert.  The great thing about the Backert, besides his unique and effective power supply (note, no electrolytics, but more expensive film caps), is the fact that you control what the preamp sounds like by just rolling the pair of 12au7 tubes. You want it to be tubier, warmer, midrange focused - put in a Mullard CV4003. You want more forwardness, slam, detail, huge air and 3D - put in a Cifte. If you are like me, i.e. somewhere in the middle, put in a couple of Raytheon black plates.... so many possibilities, so little time, lol! It takes very well to tube rolling.

Anyways, hope this helps. No affiliation, not a shill, just a happy customer who’s been playing this audio game for many, many years. BTW, must say that it’s refreshing, for a change, to have a product that is perfectly portrayed in the mfg’s website and actually lives up to and performs based on all of the marketing descriptions.

Good luck with your search, and keep us posted!