@char1 I had the SPL Elector preamp in my exercise room system. I listened to it in stock form. I did not unbox it for several months after it came in. Initially, I was going to sell it but changed my mind after it did not sell. I then hooked it ip and holy smokes, I fell in love with it. Big soundstage, very clear/clean musical palette, plus a tubelike overall presentation. I won't now consider letting it go. The Sachs preamp is in a different system. The Sachs preamp has some tube sparkle but is not tubey. It has a very clear, spacious presentation. The two preamps give u a different presentation but they are both excellent performers.
The state of high end audio is in great shape. Not the cost is no object stuff cause I don't hang out there. However, preamps in the 2000 dollar plus ranges the Sachs tube, SPL Elector and the Black Ice hybrid are great examples. I have all three. And while all different in presentation, they are all strong performers.