Best Used Tube Based Preamp $2k Or Under?

Good news man, good job figuring it out.

superchunk, I just saw the ad for your Triode Lab 2a3 power amp this morning, on Canuck Audio Mart. I was waiting for the pictures you said were coming, but decided not to wait, and I was replying to it, and ready to buy it, also suggested a pickup point midway between us, but when I tried to send it, it said you were not accepting replies. Next thing I know, the page updated and I learned it was sold. I am severely disappointed :(

But best of luck with your DIY efforts going forward.

Don't forget Joule Electra.  Jud is gone but Rich at Signature Sound can repair/upgrade as needed, but they are as reliable as tanks.  Used LA-150s rarely come up for sale but, given that the company is no longer in business, you can get used joule gear at steep discounts when it does come up.  I happily ran a 150 for years before upgrading to a LA-300, truly and end game preamp. 

The Joule gear is quite special.

I have a 150 in my closet.  If any interest, feel free to send me a message. 

I have some awareness of how exceptional the Joule stuff is. Congrats on owning one of the rare, and superb LA-300's. I do now have a quality preamp that I am more than happy with. I just need a reasonably priced Triode Lab amp or pair of mono-blocks to pair with it. I missed out on the one superchunk sold, apparently overnight. :(

The Joule amps also have always intrigued me, but I don't believe they are as reliable as the pre's? Also, size would probably be an issue for my installation. 

I just have to hope the right Triode Lab power amp(s) appears while I am still alive....lol

Glad you picked up a pre-amp that you are happy with! I’ve had 3 Joule pre-amps, all supremely reliable. I let my LA 100 go and really wish I had kept it. It was magical with my music reference RM-10, a great little EL 84 amp that I can't imagine ever parting with. I currently have two Joule pre-amps.

I’ve also has 3 Joule amps and they were superb, but they can be a little noisy. I’m currently running as an amp a First Watt Sit-3, which is a great match for my Quintessence prototype Shadow speakers.