Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

decooney,

I have had a DS1, D2, and his latest preamp, the Raven, but needed to part with Don's 300b monos so I sold the Raven in a combo deal.  Each preamp version has improved SQ, but I also had a stock Tube4Hifi SP-14 at the same time in my bedroom system and it was stellar performer, purchased used for $1100.  With Roy Mottram's upgrades, I'd guess the new V23-K1 is quite close in performance to the DS2 and I would have bought it but for the used DS2 I found for sale.  I was looking at the Supratek preamps but as far I could tell, they are all two-box units that would not fit in my rack. 

The OP has gotten some excellent recommendations to guide his purchasing decisions.  This forum is a wonderful source of information. 

The best is AUDIO-GD Tube preamp. They are very musical and a great value.

@mbmi The best is AUDIO-GD Tube preamp. They are very musical and a great value.

Best of Luck on the Warranty and repairs, and shipping back and forth if you live in the USA. Here you go, enjoy, "to and fro!"   http://www.audio-gd.com/Warranty-EN.htm

Warranty, reads:

After the completion of First year Repair guarantee :
If the gears have any problems (manufacturing defects and which is not caused by the user), in this case, the customers only pay for both ways (to and fro) shipping costs ,the replace parts’ cost and repair labor charges.


User inflicted problem repair guarantee:
Customers must pay for both ways (to and fro) shipping ,the cost of parts and labor charges.

I would expect that Audio Note should be a great performer, but no remote. 

Everyone's recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who took the time to contribute their ideas! 

Underwood Hi-fi offers a real warranty if you buy Audio GD through them. They fix it in Georgia, US.