Preamp under $2,000 used

If you can read (I presume you can), study a bit of electronics and build your own using LM4562 and a few other parts. You will save $2k and build something you can be proud of.

kalali
"I am looking for a neutral true to the music sound.."
I also wouldn’t rule out a passive preamp if you can find one to fit into your system.

+1 on the passive for neutrality and dynamics, this is why Wolf and I both love the Schitt Freya.
As it’s everything, and got everything, passive, active tube, active solid state, xlr,se, remote and the best volume potentiometer you can get. all for $699
If you can’t find the perfect match with this, then something in the rest of your system has a big problem.

Cheers George

Georgehifi and I should at least get free t-shirts from Schiit…I haven't "auditioned" piles of preamps and the one the Freya replaced is a serious dual mono Kavent/Vincent beast, but I like tubes, and the Freya certainly "seems" to work really well. Interestingly, switching between the passive/FET/tube modes via the remote keeps everything honest in a way I like...

My favorite preamp is from Don Sachs.  It is by far the most musical preamp I have ever had.  I previously had CJ, HK, Berning, Modwright, Belles, and a few others I know forget, and the Don Sachs preamp is clearly the best.  

Owner of both Don Sach's DS2 6SN7 Tube Pre-Amp and Kootenay KT88 Tube Amp; an Outstanding combination that evokes a life-like performance in your listening