Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

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

@nightfall and others -- sorry FOUR 6SN7 tubes rather than SIX. My bad.

I still prefer having a preamp with one. Why? Cost: they range in price but maybe $30 bucks and up (times four). I'd rather spend money on having a variety of 6SN7 tubes to try different sounds with. I don't want to buy multiple quads. IMHO, having amps with that many tubes is what would push me toward a solid state preamp.

Sure thing about the QS. I upgraded the caps in my preamp and still didn’t wind up keeping it.

IMHO, the biggest bargain in high-end audio is a refurbed Audible Illusions M3A. Art works on these himself, replaces everything that is needed for it to look, test and sound as new. Comes with a warranty and a new set of tubes.  Sorry, no remote though.

Highly recommended!