First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

Since you mention Don, his preamp would be a contender at far below 5K.

Oz

Since you mention Don, his preamp would be a contender at far below 5K.



It is definitely worth the money, but I don't believe it would compete with the higher end model space tech labs stuff.

I'm in Luxman Love, just got their 10 wpc tube amp, SQ-N150.

Luxman, NOS CL35, MKIII Preamp

They say once in a lifetime, it’s beyond rare, that’s for sure

https://www.ebay.com/itm/265067657600?hash=item3db7437980:g:G-kAAOSw-b1d8B6G

same unit, slightly used

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294195745377?epid=1594839865&hash=item447f6ed261:g:q4cAAOSwOyRgrqLk

Current Production Tube Integrated LX-380

http://www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=16

Are you considering Vintage?

After what I did for my main system, I might suggest you consider buying a restored vintage unit, or, ’original condition’ with good clean faceplate/glass/controls, have it shipped directly to Audio Classics (or someone you know), have it restored and then sent to you. I bought a McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp in original condition. Got it, sounded great, ... after a year or so I figured, what the heck, I’m going that way, I’ll drop it off. The best thing they did aside from .... is replace all the rca jacks with new gold plated ones. Of course FM alignment, replace a resistor there, a needed faceplate light bulb. Point is, had I been thinking ’long’ I would have had a greater start and skipped one leg of shipping. Those old jacks are a weak point I discovered.

this one says restored, but the faceplate is badly worn, I would avoid that.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274770994695?hash=item3ff9a0a607:g:qRoAAOSwMDJgUBOg

the model I chose, in a wood case

https://www.ebay.com/itm/203492974627?epid=1158588361&hash=item2f61206023:g:74IAAOSwpqBgxnTi

Audio Research Ls28se. Very dynamic and great sound. Easy to use and plenty of balanced and single ended connections. 

@knighttodd. 
+1