First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

@invalid - I am NOT pushing my services in these threads.  Probably not one person posting on these threads could afford my products and services.  I have offered to help people out by offering to build them a superior product that they can afford and cannot find anywhere else.  If you think you can find a better product have at it.  But for me to take my time to build a point to point wired product using the parts that I offered for around $2K good luck finding anyone to do that for you.  I make about $200 building something like that.  I have been a member here for 20 years.  I have taken my personal time to travel to a homes to help them on my own dime.  I am happy to do that for people.  I have repaired more components than you have even heard.  You are a member since 2016.  You have one transaction on Audiogon. You don't even have your system listed.  Maybe instead trying to call someone out, you should look to their experience to achieve better results in your system.  I bet I have more money invested in parts then you have in your system.

@pfeoffer - excellent choice in a preamp.  Upgrade a few resistors and the transformer plus add an AC filter choke and your unit will sound even better.

Happy Listening
 

I had a chat with underwood hifi and he is really impressed with the vacuum HE1 (he is a dealer so obviously there is bias). But he found it nearly good as the zesto ultra 2 which is nearly 3x the price and better than PS BHK. So that does have me interested.

I would check out a pre-owned Conrad Johnson ET-5.  It is essentially 1/2 of a CJ GAT1.  It listed for $9,500 when discontinued a couple of years ago and are now available for $3,500 to $4,000.

This preamp uses a single 6922 tube, and it's pretty easy on them, too.  So, I run a Telefunken 6922.  It sounds great with the Siemens 6922 tube, as well.

I love the sound-stage this preamp/tube produces.  Perfect width, excellent depth.  It doesn't mess with high quality recordings; vinyl or CD's.

This one is a "can't miss."  And, no, I am not a dealer.

CAT, Convegant audio Tech.  Great pre with built in phono stage.

Jose

@liamowen Ya this engineer in our audio discord Sonic Visions loves Conrad Johnson. Says their designs are incredible.
@JG2077 seems like the black path is the CAT to get.