$20k(ish) tube preamps

There are some really excellent pre-amplifier designs and I have come to the conclusion this piece is often overlooked and can often be a bottleneck in the signal path.  I now believe it is even more important than the amplifier.  Once you narrow down what you desire, hifishark.com is your friend.  

A Supratek or a Don Sachs will compete with $20,000 retail preamps.Except they will cost a lot less because you can buy them direct from the makers and avoid large wholesale and retail mark ups.The Suprateks also come with a lifetime warranty.

I would call McCormack audio, the VRE1 Pre is astonishing.