First tube preamp recommendations (under $5k)

I am using the PrimaLuna EVO 100 Preamp. $2199. My amplifiers are solid state so the 8 tubes that the Primaluna provides gives me the fuller sound that solid state pre-amps cannot create - at least at this price point. I will admit that the first 50 hours or so were a bit dull and "veiled". It simply took a fair amount of time for the preamp to open up.  

I debated between the PrimaLuna and the Rogue RP-7, but felt the RP-7 may not give me enough of the tube experience as it only uses 2 tubes. The remote control is excellent but the RP-7 provides a number (ie gauge) to your volume and the PrimaLuna does not. I downloaded a free decibel meter to my phone and that solved the issue. I now know when the volume knob is above a certain point it is probably too loud. 

Another reason I like it beside the sound is that the PrimaLuna does not get hot and only gets "warm at best". Even after 5 or 6 hours of play. Both my solid state amps stay fairly cool as well so it fits right in with my prerequisite of not heating up my room as I listen.

@ghdprentice could not agree more on the priority system, Dogs first !

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/7106#&gid=1&pid=11

@tomic601
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Sweet doggy. We had a pair of black labs a long time ago… loved them very much. You have a house full of beautiful systems as well. I had Apogee’s for many years.

I'm gonna throw in on the EVO400 as well.  Been running mine now for about a year.  What a fantastic piece of gear.  (I have it paired with an MC-312).

I "tried" to buy a 2600 from a dealer in the area (gently used) and when I told him my setup... he suggested: "Go do some homework on Prima... and ignore the loud guy on the videos".  <giggle>

Found that Sandy Gross himself had used one with a Mac amp to do some demos of some gear at an Axpona.  Mind you i'm not a six-figure spender for gear... but all my stuff sits right about $4000 a piece... a perfect fit.

@ghdprentice thank you, will consider that once I get the unit in