Looking for a tube Preamp new or used for under $2000...

Although all the recommendations are good recommendations, the difference as already pointed out is they are different but not better.  The reason why is that the designs are similar and changes are because of the tubes used, the caps and resistors, all low end parts.  IMO buy an old Counterpoint preamp and send it to me.  For under $2K I will build you a point-to-point wired preamp using a better transformer, AC filter choke, better wiring, resistors and capacitors.  All that will be left of the Counterpoint will basically be the chassis.

Happy Listening.  

SCHIIT FREY PLUS BEST PREAMP for $10k or less. A measly $899
with 5 year warranty

lol - well we are all allowed to dream...

ARC or VAC ASAP!!!

I own the parasound A21+ with the parasound p5 pre and just added a smsl su9 dac which has settings for warmer tube like settings and what a dramatic improvement. The p5 and p6 both are so very versatile in many ways but the inboard dac is lacking.  The su9 is also a preamp. All for under $500.

Matt, if you can solder, have patience, identify components and are not a "glitz queen", then this Japanese TU-8500 is a killer tube preamp for only $550!!!!.

MM & MC phono inputs, high or low switchable preamp gain.
Better than probably anything else up to $2k.

6 parts to this review
https://cheaptubeaudio.blogspot.com/2015/03/review-elekit-tu-8500-full-function.html

https://www.monoandstereo.com/2017/05/the-greatest-bang-for-buck-elekit-tu.html

https://tubedepot.com/products/elekit-tu-8500-stereo-tube-preamplifier-kit

https://www.elekit.co.jp/en/product/TU-8500

Cheers George