Vtl 5.5 series 1, David Berning TF-10 or Melos SHA-Gold?

I owned a Melos SHA Gold it started to have problems. I was able to get it repaired by the original designer and then sold it.
Today, I am not sure if it can be repaired if needed to be.

It can be repaired.
They had lots of problems with the " Porzilli Potentiometer " as he liked to call it,  many were returned, it was just a crude version of the Lightspeed Attenuator MK1 that I started a few years before in the early 80's 

If it goes bad now the Lightspeed Attenuator MkII is a great replacement for it today, as the Melos preamps with the photopots are a very good sounding units.
Just get your tech to put replace it with this instead, or use one on the outside separately as the heat of tubes can cause problems with LDR's 
https://ibb.co/9yjD4sW

Cheers George 

Two years ago when I went looking for a Full Function Tube Pre-Amp the VTL 5.5 was high on the list.  I have VTL amps and have for 20 years.   I ended up with a Mcintosh C2500 pre.  One of the main points was the MM and MC sections.  I purchased it here as a Demo but was new with a warranty.  At the time of purchase the C2500 cost slightly less then the VTL-5.5 w/phono.https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9b375-mcintosh-mc-2600-new-model-excellent-tube

Yeah my budget is far below the bucks you’re talking about

I'm looking for the VTL series one

looking to cap things out at $1600.00 all around 

The Melos will be a bit on the "laid back" part of the spectrum . If you system needs to be brought down a bit its a great piece . Sorry , I haven't owned the VTL or the Berning so I cant comment .