Best tube pre under 1500?

For another $0.02, I heartily recommend the Rogue 99. Used on Audiogon (if you can find one), can be had for approximately $1,300 to $1,500. After several comparison tests (using a McCormack DNA 225 SS amp into Soliloquy 6.3 speakers) the only thing we (brother and I) found that could beat it (and then only slightly) was an Air Tight point to point wired pre that retailed for over $4,000, with no remote. Needless to say, I am very, very pleased with the all around sound of the Rogue. Just one man's opinion, but a very happy one with this particular piece.

Thank you all for your responses! You been alot of help. Best Regards, Brad

while admittedly more than $1.5k, at less than $2k, a melos ma-333r/music director will hold its own w/the best preamps out there. for ~$1k, i'd get a melos sha-gold-r/maestro over any of the above-mentioned units. both units' later wersions had remote-control wolume/balance. amazing transparancy, detail, lack of colouration, soundstage & dynamics.

ymmv, doug s.

I think the Audio Electronic Supply AES3 should be in your consideration set. And you can get it for under $800 new with upgarded oil filled caps. It's made by Cary. There's a udes one on AgoN right now!

Bradz for 850 used you can get a Rogue 66 Stereophile Class B.Not bad.At worst case if you dont like it you can get all the money out of it and not take a hit as you will on a AES item.