Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

@hilde45 Second, the Cary preamp has SIX 6SN7 tubes. That’s a lot of tubes. The Dehavilland has one.

Slight correction, fyi. Requires FOUR (4), not SIX. The other smaller 12xx7 are for phono section, if you choose to have phono. Yep, it does require a quad of 6SN7s though. Find your best quad, and order a backup quad for spares if you like them.

Tried several, still using either PSVANE or TJ Full Music in my 98 now. They are as good or better than any of my vintage 6SN7 black plates now stored away.  

https://caryaudio.com/products/slp-98/

To answer your questions, as noted in the title of this discussion, my max budget is $2k,

Yes, a remote is critical. 

As for the Dehavilland pre's, I have not found anyone who has, has every heard of, or has any idea of how a remote could be added. 

I only sold the Modwright due to a forced downsizing because of circumstances quite a few years back. It was an excellent unit. There was a specific combination of tubes that Dan told me took it to another level. I don't recall what those were. I am a big Modwright fan,and have spent a bit of time with Dan, phone and at shows. 

And yes, the quad of 6SN7's that the Cary SLP-98 uses concerns me a bit because of what a costs for a nice quad of those  NOS tubes. 

Oh, and hilde45. Thanks VERY much for your perspective on that Quicksilver preamp. That sound signature is not what I'm seeking. That said, Mike isa great guy and has made some extremely nice power amps in his time. 

i’ve only been thru about 100 6 series preamp tubes… microphonic…. many people like that….

ARC would be my choice, then Herron, VTL, Modwright in a tight tie….

agree on Quickie amps