First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

Guys thanks so much for the awesome suggestions. Lots to think about.
@avanti1960 You like the Cary better than the RH5?
@decooney gonna look hard at cary
@daveyf I can get a CAT Sl1 ref locally for about $2500.

@ebm I can get VAC Signature mk2se for about $7200

"Space-Tech Laboratory - High-End Audio" http://www.thebestamp.com/Tube_Pre-Amps/Reference_Series/Reference-3.php


This preamp can run it 150 tubes, you can also buy a separate power supply  to power it, just plugs right into the rectifier socket on the preamp. This power supply can use big rectifier tubes like 874a Mercury rectifier tubes. I have one of his lower line preamps, which sounded great on it's own, but had a way better soundstage and instrument separation with the super rectifier power supply.

Preamps are really critical components to a system… of course they all are… but it is the component you build a system around. This is also the perfect place for tubes… you can put a really magical quality (not artificially so) by the careful choice of a great tube preamp. You have a world class amp. I can’t help but think you have greater aspirations for your system overall. In which case you might consider reaching up another tier by buying used. Something more matching the quality level of your amp.

Real high end stuff is built like a tank, highly reliable, and is bested less readily than lower end stuff (like your amp). Maybe used, Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, VAC… there are more. The next tier up has significant sophisticated gains in sound quality.

@ghdprentice I think you might be right. It might be better to reach higher. I also like the idea of a known quantity that I can turn around and sell if needed.
Is CJ considered at the same performance level as ARC and VAC?