Help selecting a new preamp

I was lucky to find a used Einstein The tube mk2 for 4k. No looking back. May be hard to find though. 

I will not mention the 2 top tier preamps I had, because I do not believe in embarrassing companies, or others, who own them. I have been experimenting with passive pre's for over 25 years, and, thanks to georgehifi, I started again with an interest in passive. In 2017, I purchased a Luminous Audio Axiom II, Walker Mod, 3in, 2 out, single ended, with remote, and am extremely pleased with its " invisibility " of the unit. My priorities are, to hear my music without added warmth, coloration, editorializing, and allow my sources to run free. It truly shows the recorded music faithfully, and I hear what was done by the artists, mixing and mastering engineers, in the utmost natural ways. Some people love passive, some do not. I obviously do. Good Luck. Enjoy ! MrD.

At your price level the Linear Tube Audio Micro ZOTL is definitely worth a serious look. Teajay (a member here) did a nice review of it on 6moons, and he preferred it to the Backert Rhumba (not sure which version) and every other preamp he’s heard. I’d also second the Don Sachs preamp, which would be less than half the cost of the LTA pre. Both would be a huge upgrade over the Outlaw (as would the Backert for that matter). Best of luck.

The  Primaluna Dialogue Premium is a good suggestion.  Very musical and sweet sounding.

For $5K I can build you something special to try out.  See my system for the preamp I offer.

Happy Listening.